00-003B-Radar and MMW: Inkjet Print Self-Assembly of Multifunctional Devices on Flexible Nanosat Surfaces

"The objective of this Phase I BMDO SBIR program is to demonstrate the feasibility of inkjet print electrostatic self-assembly (ESA) of electronic and photonic devices on flexible nanosat surfaces. ESA processing consists of alternately adsorbing cationicand anionic molecules from water-based solutions onto substrates at room temperature and pressure to form organic/inorganic nanocomposite coatings. Electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, thermal and electric field-controlled functional properties ofthe coatings may be created by incorporation of selected molecular nanoclusters, advanced polymers and other molecules, by processing conditions, and by controlling the order of the multilayer geometry. The inkjet printing of the ESA process solutionsonto solid substrates allows the rapid and low-cost prototyping and fabrication of functional devices. During the Phase I program, NanoSonic would work with Virginia Tech to design a prototype nanostructure with multiple layered device functions thatcould be `printed' onto flexible kapton and upilex surfaces using this process, and used to demonstrate the manufacturing method. During Phase II, NanoSonic will develop methods for upscaling and transitioning the ESA print process to manufacturing incooperation with a major U.S. aerospace contractor. The inkjet print ESA process may be used to form a variety of high performance materials and devices integrated directly into lightweight pol