Thermal Indicating Paints for Ammunition Assurance

摘要

Ammunition is often exposed to extreme temperatures and solar radiation during transport, storage and pre-positioning. This is of particular concern in the present theater of operations. There have been documented incidents of failures caused by thermal exposures during Desert Storm and the recent Middle East conflicts. Currently there is no way to know what environmental extremes fielded items have experienced. An easily readable indication of the environmental exposure history of an item will enable troops and munitions managers to readily identify ordnances that may have been compromised. Furthermore, compromised munitions can be screened out to ensure mission success and enhance soldier safety. Thermochromic polymers that change color in response to external stimuli can be utilized to monitor the temperature range and elapsed time profiles of stored and pre-positioned munitions. These polymers are being tailored to create inks, paints, and coatings that will alert Army logistic staff of dangerous temperature exposures. The resulting active coating can be visually inspected to determine if safe temperatures were exceeded. Having an indication of the environmental exposure history of an item will enable troops and munitions managers to readily identify ordnances that may have been compromised. The use of thermally active paint systems accomplishes these objectives and assists the development community to address potential vulnerabilities.