High temperature (2500 deg f) airframes are needed for hypersonic missiles. a carbon/carbon composite material is attractive for this application. joining techniques are required that can be applied to airframe fabrication that will perform at high temperatures. since most joining work to date has… More

The U.S. could significantly reduce oil consumption by decreasing the weight of its automobile fleet, especially by using lightweight carbon composite materials. However, lightweight materials in automobile structures have been problematic for two reasons: (1) the high cost of carbon fiber… More

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are a class of materials with great utility. Substitution of existing metallic parts by PMCs can result in weight reduction, part consolidation, elimination of corrosion, and improved performance. Materials Innovation Technologies LLC (MIT-LLC) is developing a… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop natural fiber-reinforced bio-based resin composites that are appropriate for use in exterior applications on vehicles (automobiles, over-the-road trucks, and recreational vehicles). These bio-based engineering materials are… More

Materials Innovation Technologies LLC is developing a method for making polymer matrix composites fiber preforms that has the potential to revolutionize the industry. The Three Dimensional Engineered Preform (3-DEP) process represents the state-of-the art in chopped fiber preform manufacture. … More

Since 2005, MIT-LLC has successfully developed the three dimensional engineered preform (3-DEP) process for making near-net-shape, complex geometry, chopped fiber preforms that are subsequently infused with epoxy or other thermosetting resin. We have been approached frequently to determine if we… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will develop long fiber thermoplastic (LFT) compositions based on recycled carbon fiber. In Phase I, we demonstrated the ability to make high quality LFT formulations based on (1) waste carbon fiber and (2) composites scrap and end-of-life… More

This project will develop a low-cost tooling system for prepreg composite molding capable of processing epoxy-and BMI- matrix composites at temperatures of 400F (205C). Such a tooling system would be applicable to advanced airframe components including both military applications and commercial… More