Conductive Gaskets

A conductive gasket consisting of polyurethane and an aluminum carrier for corrosion prevention and the minimization of EMI in naval and marine applications.

The innovative Av-DEC line of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) conductive gaskets provides excellent and reliable sealing solutions for attachment flanges on naval ships. These sealants were developed for the U.S. Navy and are used to prevent corrosion on topside combat systems' attachment flanges while minimizing Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). When applied, Av-DEC NAVSEA conductive gaskets solve the long-standing problem of corrosion in topside systems and the attendant EMI challenges that inhibit the optimal performance of electronic systems.

The precision-cut gaskets are individually sized to meet different flange size requirements and standards expected from NAVSEA corrosion-prevention solutions. Av-DEC conductive gasket systems consist of polyurethane sealing gel and a wire mesh or carrier which acts as a ground path for EMI protection. Every application of the conductive gaskets provides the following benefits:

• A durable polyurethane sealing gel across connecting flanges which prevents the intrusion of moisture and electrochemical agents that may cause corrosion or chemical reactions.
• A ground path for electronic systems to minimize EMI and distortions that affect system functionality.
• An effective long-lasting seal which ensures connecting flanges are protected in order to increase the lifespan of topside electronic systems.

The Science Behind NAVSEA Conductive Gaskets

The purpose behind the development of topside combat system conductive gaskets was to solve the corrosion and EMI challenges that naval ships regularly face. Previous sealing systems used by the U.S. Navy have proven less than adequate and often compromise the interface to moisture intrusion.

The corrosion and EMI issues faced by naval ships were exacerbated any time the surfaces of connected flanges were composed of two different materials. The differing metals regularly created galvanic couplings that promoted corrosion induced by natural electron flow away from less noble metals. To eliminate these effects, Av-DEC developed a precision-cut conductive gasket consisting of polyurethane gel and aluminum wire mesh. A two-year study of the gaskets in use on flanges highlighted the following benefits:

• Excellent sealing abilities that prevented rust both from moisture ingress and from electrochemical corrosive agents.
• Excellent performance when put through the American Society for Testing and Materials' (ASTM's) B117 salt fog test. Its enhanced performance in forestalling corrosion compared to other sealing solutions highlighted the durability and reliable nature of the conductive gasket.
• Forms a complete seal when applied, ensuring EMI protections while providing a low-resistance ground-path continuity, thus optimizing the operational ability of electronic systems.
• Complies with MIL-STD-1310 thanks to its ability to maintain its sealing shape and functionality under excessive shock and vibration.
• A straightforward application and removal process when applied on flanges.

An Excellent Conductive Gasket for Marine Applications

The Av-DEC conductive gasket system serves as an excellent corrosion-prevention alternative for diverse marine-related applications across the spectrum of naval, private, and commercial vessels. The conductive gasket can be applied:

• On topside combat system flanges where a Class-B bond is required
• Preferred alternative to Antiseize zinc dust - Petrolatum (A-A-59313) for dissimilar metal junctions as specified by CID (A-A-59398A) identified by 5.1.3.1 Class B and C bond installation of MIL-STD-1310.
• Across multi-service marine flange seals
• For general-purpose application on medium-duty jointing installations