TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Method for crosslinking fluoropolymer high explosive binders

Opportunity : Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its Method for Crosslinking Fluoropolymer High Explosive Binders. Background : High Explosives when subjected to long term mechanical loads have a propensity to deform. This can change the expected performance leading to unexpected outcomes. There are proposed DOD systems that have mechanical loads high enough to potentially affect the material structure of HE and lead to unintended outcomes. Polymer Bonded Explosives (PBX) have been around for decades. However, many of the formulations also cannot withstand large mechanical loads and have shown to fail in certain environments. LLNL researchers aim to address those limits to current performance. Description : LLNL has developed a method that adds a polyamine based crosslinker and an acid receptor, based on MgO nanoparticles into a polymer bonded PBX, where the polymer binder is a fluoropolymer containing vinylidene difluoride functionality. Crosslinking kinetics can then be controlled by selecting an appropriate amine structure, pressing temperature and optionally the addition of a chemical inhibitor. The resultant PBX has a polymer binder phase with sufficient crosslink density to inhibit long term viscous deformation processes under applied loads. Advantages/Benefits : LLNL’s High Explosive Binders has numerous advantages over traditional PBX Binders, such as: Stability of High Explosives under extreme stress Enhanced Missile Safety and Performance Development Status: High TRL level reached in technology development LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention. LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process. Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT . Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Method for Crosslinking Fluoropolymer High Explosive Binders should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following: Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Method for Crosslinking Fluoropolymer High Explosive Binders. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O. Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: IL-13762