Optimization of Gasket Materials for Metal Packing Containers for Mortar Ammunition

The U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Centers Packaging and Engineering Support Division, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey initiated a Product Improvement Program PIP to solve the deterioration problem in the gasket of mortars metal containers. This PIP was funded by PM-Mortars. The PIP addressed the gasket material properties including durometer, hardness, compression set, impact resistance, and other physical properties. The goal was a find a gasket material, which would improve the seal, long-term storage, and transportation capability of both 120-mm and 81-mm metal containers. The environmental and material tests showed that neoprene is the best gasket material for mortar metal ammunition containers. Styrene butadiene rubber and natural rubber 60 were discontinued from the environmental testing because of their poor performance in material tests heat, oil, and grease. The ethylene propylene diene material did not perform well in the drop and leak tests. The environmental and material testing results both pointed out that the neoprene material was the best material for the application. The current contractor B-Way Corporation performed the tests in October 2001 and agreed that the neoprene gasket performs as well or even better than the current natural rubber. The Packaging and Engineering Support Division recommends using neoprene across the board for 60-mm, 81-mm, and 120-mm metal shipping containers. Engineering Change Proposals ECPs are being submitted to incorporate the improvements.