Non-Curing Conductive Sealant for Fuel Tank

[Neubaten]

Hi guys,

I need your help for a little problem where an inusual set of requirements for a sealant is given. I am aware that probably there aren't any products that could satisfy all the requirements, but maybe you know of something useful.

I'm looking for a sealant that is going to be used in a fork end of a rod, inside a composite fuel tank into a commercial aeroplane. So, it needs to be fuel resistant.

The sealant has to be conductive, to avoid the formation of sparks between the rod end and the aluminum fitting where it is joined.

It also needs to have a certain flexibility when cured because there's going to be a little relative movement.

I have searched, and the closer thing I've found is AMS 3266 sealants, but they are not certified to resist prolonged exposure to fuel.

 

[Maui]

Although this material does not appear to be conductive, it may meet most of your other requirements:

http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm

Could a conductive material be attached to the joined components to establish the necessary electrical connection without adversely affecting the mechanical strength of the epoxy joint?

Maui

 

[EdStainless]

There are a number of fuel resistant epoxies that can be purchased with metallic particles in them. While they aren't conductive they do resist the build up of static charges.

Have you considered using a piece of wire to connect the two parts so that the adhesive is a non issue?

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Plymouth Tube

 

[MintJulep]

Take a look at the Hylomar range of products.

http://www.hylomar-usa.com/_resources/_html/products.html

Conductivity is usually achieved by adding particles of some conductive material to the mix. With a non-setting sealant, I don't think that is a particularly good idea. They might tend to get washed off the exposed surfaces and clog important things up.

Use a bonding wire.