Single-Walled Nanotube Composite Structures for Ballistic Missile Defense

"Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) possess a unique combination of high strength, high modulus and high elongation. Before the benefits of these materials can be realized in BMD structural applications, SWNT fillers must be made compatible with thethermosetting resins traditionally used in these applications so that load transfer into the nanotubes can be accomplished. In the proposed program, Foster-Miller and its team will develop the necessary technology to accomplish this objective. Theprogram includes: Improvement in dispersion and blending techniques to provide highly dispersed SWNT in selected organic solvents; development of improved nanotube surface modification techniques to stabilize solvent based dispersions and provide amechanism for load transfer from an organic matrix into the SWNT;characterization and testing of materials at the lab scale to verify properties; andfabrication of a demonstration structure employing SWNT-reinforced composite.This effort falls under the umbrella of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, which has as its goal the development of materials and technology to support the "next industrial revolution". To conduct the proposed work, Foster-Miller has assembled astrong team including a major producer of high-technology solid rocket motors for space, defense, and commercial launch applications and a supplier of single-walled carbon nanotubes. (P-020212) The properties of single-walled nano