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Gradient Interphase, 3-D Fiber Architecture CMC's

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
80724 		Program Year/Program:
2006 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
050303 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
3TEX, Inc.
109 MacKenan Drive Cary, NC -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2006
Title: Gradient Interphase, 3-D Fiber Architecture CMC's
Agency: NASA
Contract: NNM06AA68C
Award Amount: $94,667.00
 

Abstract:

A clear need exists for the next generation of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) for Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), propulsion hardware, and other high temperature applications. No "off-the-shelf" materials and/or processes capable of meeting NASA's goals are available, yet completely integrating a unique combination of commercially available or nearly commercially available technologies can meet NASA's goals. The basic elements of the proposed approach focus on refining 3-D fiber architectures, instituting semi-conductor industry controls on the CVI process, forming a gradient interphase between the matrix and fibers, and relying on molecular level modeling results to predict thermal stability. Both 3-D woven and 3-D braided preforms will be designed and manufactured to control the resultant pocket size and shapes to reduce voids during infiltration. Pulsed CVI with an improved out-gas control system will both form a gradient interphase that reduces the CTE mismatch induced internal loads between fiber and matrix and provide a more perfect microstructure while improving processing speed. CMC test articles will be compared to previous work on molecular level thermal modeling for Phase I. Phase II will deliver optimized design and manufacturing processes capable of making impact tolerant, long fatigue life, high temperature CMC's.

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Keith Sharp
Principal Investigator
sharpk@3tex.com

Business Contact:

Andrew Watson
Business Official
9194812500
watsona@3tex.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

3TEX, Inc.
109 MacKenan Drive Cary, NC 27511

EIN/Tax ID: 561990412
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Center for Advanced Friction Studies
Carbondale, IL 62901
Contact: Peter Filip
Contact Phone: (618) 453-7932
RI Type: Nonprofit college or university