Polymeric Materials for Defence Stores in Extreme Cold Weather

Armed forces’ general stores fulfil the requirements of troops in both peace and war situations with respect to the soldiers’ operational ease, food, shelter and climatic challenges. Different terrains in nation have a vast range of temperature, humidity, wind and geographical conditions that offer challenges in designing the stores. Selection of the necessary functional materials needs much attention since these materials should be able to meet not only the functional requirements but also have cost-effectiveness and longevity. Most of the stores currently being developed are polymers or polymeric composite materials because they are lightweight with good strength (there are exceptions, where metals are indispensable). In addition, extreme cold weather (ECW) offers challenges to thermoplastic polymers owing to their ductile-to-brittle transition at sub-zero temperatures and consequent loss in toughness and impact strength. This problem can however be overcome by modifying the polymers with special additives. Different types of polymers commonly used in the development of the stores are discussed with respect to their source, processing methods and structure‒property relationships. Stringent trial standards that are necessary for defence requirements, product design and testing are also highlighted.