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Thermally Initiated Self Healing Polymer Nanocomposites

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
78506 		Program Year/Program:
2006 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
F061-138-2235 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
NEI Corporation
400 E Apgar Drive Somerset, NJ -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2006
Title: Thermally Initiated Self Healing Polymer Nanocomposites
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA8651-06-M-0182
Award Amount: $99,995.00
 

Abstract:

To successfully achieve and maintain Air Theater Superiority over the modern battlefield the Air Force requires high performance polymer/fiber composite materials. These lightweight high strength materials have greatly advanced the capabilities of jet aircrafts, munitions, space vehicles, as well as ground support vehicles. Damage caused by small impacts during transport and handing of munitions can create unseen micro-damage within the resin matrix and at the fiber/matrix interface. These micro-cracks reduce the actual performance of the composite below the expected level for which the component was designed. Detecting micro-cracks in materials is very difficult, and accessing them to repair them is also non-trivial. Therefore, imparting the capability for composites to self-repair these micro-cracks will reduce the frequency of full part replacement, maintain the designed high performance characteristics, and eliminate the expansion of micro-cracks that can result in further weakening of the composite over time leading to catastrophic failure and loss of life. The proposed technology is based on thermally initiated self-healing. Unlike previous approaches to self-healing, the polymer nanocomposite will actively close and seal cracks and is designed as a matrix replacement in fiber reinforced polymer composites.

Principal Investigator:

Stein Schreiber Lee
Senior Scientist
7328683141
slee@neicorporation.com

Business Contact:

Ganesh Skandan
Chief Executive Officer
7328683141
gskandan@neicorporation.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

NEI CORP.
400 E Apgar Drive Somerset, NJ 08873

EIN/Tax ID: 223568329
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No