Elastomers That Endure S F F O PIN T he Space Shuttle generates an enormous amount of use of special spraying equipment and techniques. These S — S heat during liftoff. To protect the launch structure, developments have provided some major benefits. T FI NASA has researched and experimented with various The new product saves NASA money on materials, E N E heat-protecting coatings since the 1980s. In the early 1990s, equipment, and labor. Because the new coating is sprayed B L NASA joined with Dow Corning® to develop some type of onto large areas, fewer solvents are needed to protect the A CI protection for the Mobile Launcher Platform, the gantry delicate area surrounding the launch pad. The decreased R E structure, and other valuable equipment exposed to heat and amounts of solvent and specialized spray techniques also help M M chemicals given off by the Shuttle during liftoff. Through reduce the amount of overspray. The previously used trowel O C assistance from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Dow Corning application is no longer necessary—since less work is developed the 3-6376 Fast Cure Elastomer, a strong performed, fewer materials are expended. protective coating with applications in a variety of fields. Less work also means less time wasted. The Fast Cure Previously, NASA used silicate coatings that simply failed Elastomer reduces the turnaround time for reuse of the to adequately protect, which resulted in the frequent launch structure because of fewer refurbishing operations. recoating of the damaged areas. Of particular concern were This means that NASA is not held up due to repairs when it the preservation of the weather protection curtains and the comes time to launch another Shuttle. To date, the Agency launch pad structure, which received most of the damage and has launched dozens of successful missions without the need required recoating following each launch. The enormous for recoating. expense of this repeat procedure led Kennedy’s Materials The elastomer is currently used in the automotive and Science Laboratory to investigate the possibilities of ablative- aerospace industries and serves as an exceptional coating for type coatings. An ablative coating is a material that forms an engine compartment firewalls. Dow Corning’s elastomer has insulating char when exposed to extreme heat. It is the char also proved to be an effective sealant. The product offers that protects the underlying coating and surface. The widespread benefits for NASA and the commercial sector. As investigations resulted in the creation of a silicone ablative commercial opportunities expand, the Fast Cure Elastomer material known as the Dow Corning 3-6376 Fast Cure will continue to provide its unique and efficient coating Elastomer. benefits to those who use it. ❖ By definition, an elastomer is a material that has significant elastic qualities. In this case, the 3-6376 elastomer Dow Corning® is a registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation. is a 100 percent silicone material, giving it an extremely high level of elasticity. The Fast Cure Elastomer does not require a primer coating. The material is simply applied through the Dow Corning’s® 3-6376 Fast Cure Elastomer was tested at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on various panels and tubing before being applied to the launch structure. 01 0 2 ➤ F F O N PI S A S A N 106 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVITY/MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY