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Low Temperature Processing of Boron Carbide Cement Composite for Tough, Wear Resistant Structures

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 37062
Amount: $99,993.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1997
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
6808 Academy Parkway East, Ne Suite A-2
Albuquerque, NM 87109
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Kris Law
 (505) 344-6744
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Natural materials such as tooth, bone or shell consist of a high volume fraction of ceramic grains coated by thin layers of proteinaceous film. The ceramic grains are grown in situ in a pre-formed organic polymer matrix. The organic portion provides high toughness, while the ceramic component provides stiffness. This unique microstructure allows for mechanical properties superior to man-made ceramic composites. By developing processing techniques analogous to natural structures, where ceramic components are grown within a confining matrix, the structure of the composite can be manipulated such that improved mechanical properties are obtained. TPL proposes to fabricate a composite structure consisting of laminated boron carbide-polymer cement tapes. Tape porosity will be eliminated by infiltration of a polymeric cement which will hydrolyze in situ to produce a greater than 95 volume % ceramic exhibiting higher fracture toughness than bulk boron carbide. The polymeric cement will exhibit high bond strength to the boron carbide allowing for a high rate of stress transfer between the ceramic phases, and increased fracture toughness and flexural strength. The composite will be fabricated at temperatures of less than 300oC, allowing for direct film fabrication on heat sensitive materials such as glass or plastic substrates. The low temperature, high strength and toughness composite proposed for this study will have applications for body armor, bunker hardening, high performance sporting goods, and smart materials utilizing embedded sensor technology.

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

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