The military and defence sector requires the highest standards of material performance to ensure that components can endure extreme conditions while maintaining operational efficiency. From advanced weapon systems to sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), every material used must meet strict standards for durability, thermal management, and environmental resistance.
The UAV Gasket Opportunity & Challenge
A defence contractor developing next-generation military drones required a high-performance silicone solution for use within their drone weapon system. Specifically, the customer sought a reliable silicone seal to function as a heatsink end gasket.
The primary role of this component was to support thermal management by enhancing heat dissipation while simultaneously protecting critical electronic components from dust, moisture, and vibrations.To assess performance in the application, the customer requested two different thicknesses of silicone material to sample and trial.
The Silicone Gasket Solution
Material Selection: kSil® V-0 Soft Medium After evaluating the application requirements, Silicone Engineering recommended kSil® V-0 Soft Medium, a high-quality silicone grade known for its excellent thermal and environmental resistance properties. This material was selected due to the following key benefits:
- Flame Retardancy: Meets UL94 V-0 standards, ensuring enhanced fire safety in military environments.
- Thermal Stability: Provides excellent heat resistance, crucial for sustaining performance in high-power electronic systems.
- Environmental Protection: Resistant to moisture, dust, and vibration, safeguarding delicate electronic components.
- Compressibility & Sealing: Offers optimal compression set resistance, allowing for a secure seal around the heatsink, preventing thermal leakage and enhancing heat dissipation.
The Results
Following extensive sampling and testing, the defence contractor successfully integrated kSil®V-0 Soft Medium into their drone weapon system. The material met all necessary specifications, proving its effectiveness in thermal management and component protection. The optimised silicone seal contributed to improved system reliability, reinforcing the drone’s operational capabilities in demanding multiple harsh environments, that the military could operate in.
