You are here

High Toughness Ceramics Containing Carbon Nanotube Reinforcement

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: DAAD16-03-C-002
Agency Tracking Number: A022-1947
Amount: $119,909.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
164 Market Street
Brighton, MA 02135
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Carnahan
 President
 (617) 787-9822
 dcarnahan@nano-lab.com
Business Contact
 David Carnahan
Title: President
Phone: (617) 787-9822
Email: dcarnahan@nano-lab.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Boron Carbide (B4C) was chosen for use as a ceramic ballistic protection system due to the beneficial combination of low density and high elastic modulus. These properties contribute to the performance characteristics of high hardness and high sonic valuethat defeats the incoming projectile. However, the brittle nature of the ceramic component limits the envelope of practical applications. Previous studies have shown a 20% increase in fracture toughness for ceramic matrix components by the addition ofcarbon nanotubes. Preliminary testing has shown that mixing conditions have a significant effect on the uniformity of the hot pressed composite. The mixing method, however, did not have a significant effect on the bulk density of the samples.The work herein proposed by NanoLab, Inc. will study the dispersion of carbon nanotubes in B4C powder and provide hot pressed test specimens for physical and mechanical property testing. Results will be used to identify samples for armor penetrationtesting. The addition of carbon nanotubes to boron carbide ceramic armor is expected to increase the fracture toughness of the composite, which will increase resistance to low speed impact defects. The result will be a more effective protection barrier for bothpersonnel and equipment. Replacement due to non-ballistic impact should also be reduced.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government