Background Army Elastomer Material Technology Unclassified US Army Research Laboratory Weapons and Materials Research Directorate Materials & Manufacturing Sciences Division Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Background Army Elastomer Material Technology Charles Pergantis Phone: (410) 306-0688 E-Mail: charles.g.pergantis@us.army.mil Unclassified

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Track Elastomer Materials Early 1980’s: Late 1980’s: ARL develops hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) compound. HNBR-12 Patented: Compound: US. Patent #4,843,114 (1989). Process: US Patent #5.264,290 (1993) HNBR rubber exceeds 2,000 miles, out performs all other track components. Early 1990’s: Abrams M1 Main Battle Tank (MBT) is introduced (65 tons). Durable life of Integral track/pad design (T-156) is only 900 miles. Army issues a 2,000 mile track demand. M1 is upgraded to M1-A1 model (70 tons). Army develops T-158 track with replaceable pads, track and pads have a 2,000 mile durable life using standard rubber products. HNBR-12 not cost effective.

HNBR Track Pad Elastomer M1-A1 upgraded to the M1-A2. Up to a 5,000 mile track life is required with one “change over”, well over the durable limit of current standard production pads. HNBR-42 has been formulated, pads fabricated and await field test data results from Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG). Extend track Life up to 5,000 Miles Why Use HNBR? HNBR-base compound incorporated into FCS prototype band track system (ground tread layer). HNBR Applied to FCS Bandtrack (under a PLA) Benefits: Outstanding wear properties. Improved Resistance to tearing, blow-out, heat aging chunking/chipping, cutting and flexural fatigue. Superior physical properties. Retention of mechanical and dynamic properties at high temperatures. Resistance to DS-2 Does not support combustion, self extinguishing. Reduced O&S cost Over twice the service life of commercial materials.

HNBR Elastomer Data HNBR compounds exceeds the tensile strength of the current standard SBR pad material. HNBR compounds exhibit comparable elongation as SBR pads.

HNBR Elastomer Data HNBR compounds exhibit better tear strength than SBR, even after aged at 250F. HNBR compounds exhibit greater resistance to crack growth than SBR.

HNBR Elastomer Data HNBR compounds exhibit tremendous abrasion resistance compared to SBR. New modified HNBR formulation was patented in July 2010 Patent No. US 7,737,225 B1.

List of Test Methods Performed

Commercial Spin-Offs Technology Transfer Tank track pads to…. X-Durable Athletic Shoe Soles HNBR Based Rubber: “Waffle rubber” samples molded to evaluate performance. Prototype athletic shoe soles molded, bonded to shoes and field tested by Olympian athletes. Test Plate Experimental Wear Soles HNBR based rubber tested for long-wear tire treads for Walt Disney World utility carts. Improved Long-Wear Tire Treads for WDW Utility Carts

Other Applications Pads for Ultra-High Performance Track Current HMMWV Tire with RFTI New Poly-Web RFTI Pads for Ultra-High Performance Track Improved Run-Flat Wheel Tread Wear Resistant Tread for Airless Tires

Construction Vehicles Other Applications-Band Track Construction Vehicles Agriculture Recreational