LIGHTWEIGHT REINFORCED BALLOON MATERIAL INVESTIGATION.
Abstract
The leakage of balloons constructed of 0.25 mil (25-gage) Mylar and F-1-13 scrim (GT-66) has been determined to be caused by point blocking. This blocking results from adhesion of an adjacent layer of Mylar coming into contact with the flocking agent which holds the scrim threads together. Antiblocking agents were investigated and found ineffective. Modified adhesives were also investigated with negative results. The only solution found was to laminate Mylar to both sides of the scrim but the resultant balloon is too heavy for its original mission although it has uses in the medium payload range from 500 to 1500 pounds. Light gage Mylar as received from the supplier was investigated and found to be acceptable for zero pressure balloons. Manufacturing techniques using extreme care ('white glove' technique) were investigated and found feasible but did not solve the leakage problem. A new sealer to handle lightweight material has been developed and is now undergoing final tests. The ultimate solution to the problem of providing a lightweight, nonblocking balloon material appears to be to eliminate the flocking agent by laying adhesive-coated threads directly on light gage Mylar and curing the resulting web while it is separated by a release material. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0612598
Entities
People
- John A. Macfadden