Accession Number:

AD0669666

Title:

SILICATE FOAM FOR AIRDROP CUSHIONING

Descriptive Note:

Rept. for Mar 1967-Mar 1968

Corporate Author:

SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INST SAN ANTONIO TX

Personal Author(s):

• Baker, E. J., Jr.
• Mallow, William A.

Report Date:

1968-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

32.0

Abstract:

Sodium silicate foam was proposed as a possible substitute for paper honeycomb as an airdrop cushion. Experimental efforts to implement silicate foam panels using a 2 kilowatt microwave energy source proved inadequate. Larger energy input with a more uniform flux appeared to be necessary to accommodate the size of panels desired. A sodium silicateperlite aggregate formulation was found to fulfill most of the product specifications. Areas for improvement include collapsed to expanded ratio, maximum strain level, rectangularity of stress-strain curve, product density and friability. The silicateperlite formulation and foamed sodium silicate formulations allow a wide latitude of variation and control. It is believed that optimization of formulation and heating equipment can be realized. Author

Descriptors:

• *SILICATES
• *FOAM
• *PACKING MATERIALS
• DENSITY
• MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
• IMPACT SHOCK
• AIR DROP OPERATIONS
• SUBSTITUTES
• SODIUM COMPOUNDS

Subject Categories:

• Miscellaneous Materials
• Containers and Packaging

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE