Research On Fog-Resistant Materials For High-Altitude Helmet Visors

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Report Number: AMRL TDR 62-141
Author(s): Gutfreund, Kurt
Corporate Author(s): Armour Research Foundation
Laboratory: Life Support Systems Laboratory
Corporate Report Number: ARF 3195-6, Final Technical Documentary Report
Date of Publication: 1962-12
Pages: 48
Contract: AF 33(616)-8076
DoD Project: 6301
DoD Task: 630104
Identifier: AD0295847
AD Number: AD-295 847

Abstract:
Various methods of preventing visibility losses due to fogging of plastic MA-3 and HGU-8/P helmet visors in pressure suits were investigated. Hygrophilic film-forming polymers with polyhydroxyl groups were found to be promising fog-resistant coatings. Their effectiveness depends largely on the relative surface concentration of hygrophilic and hygrophobic groups, since these groups determine the proper balance between wettability and stability of the treatment on prolonged and intermittent exposure to fog-promoting conditions. Visors treated with 83 to 87% hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate showed good overall optical properties. The exhibited little distortion, and their luminous transmittance and haze values were 92 and 0.4%, respectively. Enhancing the wettability of acrylic surfaces by ultraviolet irradiation and exposure in a thermal column of a nuclear reactor was ineffective. Also, preferential condensation of moisture in the helmet by gas-phase nucleation proved unsatisfactory for inhibiting fogging.

Provenance: Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control

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