HYDERABAD: In a significant development in rocket science, the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) has developed a polymer for use in cryogenic rocket by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).

Use of polymer instead of aluminium or other alloys in fuel plumbing and tubes in the cryogenic engine drastically reduces the overall weight of the rocket. The advantage of it is that the rocket can carry a higher payload. The weight of fuel plumbing and tubes made of polymer is just 10 per cent of those made of aluminium or other alloys.

"As of now, Isro is importing the polymer from the US. But we now have developed the Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) polymer," said Shekharam Tammishetti, senior principal scientist and head, polymers and functional materials division, CSIR-IICT. He told TOI that the technology will be transferred to Isro.

In the cryogenic engine, the fuel that is used is oxygen and hydrogen. When the two elements are burnt together, they produce a lot of energy. At that temperature, only FEP polymer can withstand the heat.

The FEP developed by IICT can be used by Isro in future too. However, Isro will have to take a decision on getting the FEP polymer manufactured. Since the FEP polymer has use only in specialized areas like space technology, it may be difficult to find manufacturers.

"The market has to be really big for that and it will make better sense for the manufacturer if it is supplied globally. Isro's requirement is up to a specific quantity per year," Tammishetti added.

It may be mentioned here that CE20 cryogenic engine is being indigenously developed at the Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu, for Isro's next generation launch vehicle GSLV MkIII.

