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ZYVEX Corporation

Address

1321 N. Plano Road
Richardson, TX, 75081-0242
USA

UEI: N/A

Number of Employees: 62

HUBZone Owned: No

Woman Owned: No

Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No

SBIR/STTR Involvement

Year of first award: 2002

Phase I Awards

Phase II Awards

60%

Conversion Rate

$404,432

Phase I Dollars

$1,399,156

Phase II Dollars

$1,803,588

Total Awarded

Awards

Up to 10 of the most recent awards are being displayed. To view all of this company's awards, visit the Award Data search page.

Advanced Structural Nanomaterials for Astronaut Radiation Protection

Amount: $50,000 Topic: B1.03

Zyvex in cooperation with Prairie View A&M (CARR) and Boeing will develop a space radiation shielding multi-functional material that will provide high energy radiation shielding required to protect astronauts on extended missions, strong enough to be used as an integral structural material and tough enough to survive micro-meteor impacts, provide EMI shielding, and enhanced thermal conductivity. The team will also develop an improved protocol for testing radiation shielding material. This effort will entail developing a composite material which uses proven radiation shielding material Polyethylene(PE), as its primary constituent in the form of very strong/tough Spectra fibers woven into a 3D fabric. In Phase 1 we demonstrated that, compared to bulk PE, this composite approach has significantly improved mechanical properties, excellent electrical conductivity, good Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) shielding properties, and maintains excellent space radiation shielding properties of PE. We also demonstrated exposure to large doses of high energy actually improved the mechanical properties. In Phase II, the epoxy matrix used in Phase I will be considered along with Cyanate Esters, and Polyimides, As in Phase I, coating the PE fabric and reinforcing the matrix material will be ultra-high strength, highly conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Zyvex's unique and commercially successful CNT processing technology will be adapted to maximize the transfer of the extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of CNTs to the composite structures. The work plan includes approaches to overcome CNT processing and delamination issues discovered in Phase I. CARR will carryout more extensive radiation testing with several ions at different energies. Boeing which has significant interest in developing long term space exploration will guide the development of the material to meet specifications for planned applications.

SBIR

Phase II

2006

NASA

Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube/Polyethylene Complex Composites for Space Radiation Shielding

Amount: $69,776 Topic: B1.03

Polyethylene (PE), due to its high hydrogen content relative to its weight, has been identified by NASA as a promising radiation shielding material against galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), due to their small diameter, high-mechanical strength, and high-electrical and thermal conductivity, are recognized as the ultimate carbon fibers for high performance, multifunctional composites. Prior studies failed to produce the CNT/polymer composites that fully exploit nanotubes' outstanding mechanical, electrical and thermal properties because of poor dispersion of nanotubes in polymer matrices and poor adhesion between nanotubes and the polymer matrix,. Zyvex has developed a versatile and non-damaging chemical platform that allows us to engineer specific nanotube surface properties to permit homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in various solvents and polymer matrices, and enables the significantly enhanced adhesion between nanotubes and the polymer matrix. The major innovation of our technical approach is to marry these two outstanding materials using Zyvex's chemical platform technology to produce a novel CNT/PE complex composite that not only has high radiation shielding performance, but also has high mechanical strength, high electrical conductivity, and improved thermal stability. Multifunctional CNT/PE complex composite will find broad applications in shielding humans in spacecrafts and habitats.

SBIR

Phase I

2005

NASA

Hierarchial Composites Comprising Continuous CarbonNnanotube Composite Fibers in a Nanotube-Reinforced Matrix

Amount: $599,633 Topic: E2.01

NASA requires dramatic advancements in material properties to improve launch vehicles, spacecraft, and the space station?s performance. Our plan is to provide: 1) Continuous carbon nanotube (CNT) composite fibers stronger than 10 GPa and tougher than any known material. 2) CNT fiber composites stronger than 6 GPa. We propose to develop hierarchical composites comprising continuous CNT composite fibers in CNT-reinforced matrices (CPMs). We plan to: (1) Produce continuous CNT fibers with tensile strength >10 GPa and toughness >1000 J/g; (2) Develop CPMs optimized for application with CNT composite fibers; (3) Integrate continuous CNT fibers with CPMs to produce CNT fiber/CPM composites with tensile strength of > 6 GPa, twice the specific strength of carbon fiber/epoxy composites, and a toughness higher than any known material. This program builds on two recent breakthroughs. Zyvex?s CNT solubilization technique dramatically increases organic solubility of CNTs without degrading their properties. A 5% loading of CNTs triples the tensile strength of cast epoxy. The UTD group produced continuous CNT composite fibers having quadruple the specific strength and double the modulus of the best steel wire and 20 times the toughness. These fibers provide a toughness of 600 J/g, much higher than any previously known material.

SBIR

Phase II

2004

NASA

Manufacturing Assembly Technology for Producing Low-Cost Mini SEMs

Amount: $749,523 Topic: SB031-017

This program will provide a key manufacturing breakthrough for high-performance inexpensive miniature SEMs. We plan to develop a MEMS, microassembly-based, fully functional mini-SEM having 1/10,000 the volume of current units. Zyvex is a dynamic small firm with a highly qualified technical team, experienced management, and the advantage of a $25M / 5 year NIST-ATP award that is funding the continued development of the core assembly technology. Our commercialization partner in Phase II, FEI, is one of the leading manufacturers of SEMs and has committed to at least $200K of in-kind support. Zyvex's unique assembly technology combined with FEI's expertise and experience in successfully producing and marketing charged particle microscopes provides us with an excellent opportunity for commercialization. DoD applications include: routine maintenance inspection of helicopter rotors and other critical structural members of military aircraft and vehicles; backpack units to give special forces unique forensic capabilities; and an imaging component of biowarfare agent detection systems to protect both military buildings and war-fighters in the field. Commercial applications include: desktop SEMs for industrial and educational institutions; backpack units for geologists, forensic specialists, etc.; arrayed SEMs for IC inspection; and arrays of columns for maskless high-resolution lithography.

SBIR

Phase II

2004

DOD

DARPA

MEMS Nanoprobe for Transmission Electron Microscopy

Amount: $97,085 Topic: 30

76336-Research in nanotechnology has grown at an astounding rate in the last few years and is expected to accelerate even more in the next decade. However, tools to characterize materials, structures, and devices at the nanometer scale have not kept pace. For example, the nanomanipulation tools used within transmission electron microscopes are limited to two-probe stages and sample holders that have inadequate in situ positioning capability and functionality. These limitations prevent scientists from obtaining precise four-probe electrical measurements and restrict their ability to determine critical mechanical properties. This project will develop a micro-electromechanically-based flexible and adaptable transmission electron microscopy tool for in situ manipulation and characterization of nanomaterials, nanostructures, and nanodevices. The tool will be computer controlled with three micro-electromechanically-driven independently adjustable probes and one piezo-driven probe suitable for accurate four-point electrical measurements. The three micro-electromechanically-driven, independently controlled probes will feature precise positioning capability in all directions, while the single probe will be equipped with a quick exchange mechanism for mounting micro-tweezers or a force sensor. Phase I will establish feasibility by designing, fabricating, and testing the micro-electromechanical XYZ positioning stages. A probe cartridge will be developed to house the three positioning stages, and a piezo-based positioning system will be designed and constructed for the fourth probe. Finally, to demonstrate proof-of-concept, a two-probe prototype unit using one micro-electromechanically-driven probe, along with the piezo-driven probe, will be constructed and tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The four-probe nanomanipulation tool for transmission electron microscopy should expand research capabilities in: advanced materials (metal alloys, polymers, composites, and ceramics), energy technology (superconductors, fuel cells, and batteries), and electronics research (traditional semiconductors, data storage devices, and quantum computing circuits).

SBIR

Phase I

2004

DOE

Manufacturing Assembly Technology for Producing Low-Cost MiniSEM Columns

Amount: $98,637

This proposal presents a low-cost high-precision method for manufacturing miniaturized e-beam columns, resulting in widespread application in imaging and lithography. While the advantage of downscaling e-beam columns is well known, no commercialapplications have emerged, due in large part to manufacturing difficulties. This project begins with the Etec miniaturized e-beam column design and introduces component designs leading to a low-cost automated manufacturing solution. Although the Eteccolumn is generally not considered ideal for an SEM, its high performance and industry-wide familiarity make it an excellent vehicle for proving manufacturing concepts. We will conduct detailed analyses of the design and assembly process to determine thecolumn's performance within manufacturing tolerances and in a range of environmental conditions. Our proprietary assembly approach, currently the focus of a $25M five-year NIST-ATP award, entails a combination of robotic stages and MEMS actuators,connectors, and parts. Our assembly technology produces robust mechanical and electrical connections with precision dependent upon component tolerances rather than assembly robotics. A major strength of this assembly strategy is the ability to incorporateparallel assembly, dramatically reducing cost. This flexible method further enables a variety of designs meeting the resolution, scan field, and depth of focus needs of many different applications. By developing a flexible, low-cost manufacturing systemcapable of producing a diverse range of high-performance SEM columns, this program benefits an enormous array of industries and researchers. Our proposed manufacturing technology will enable widespread applications of miniaturized e-beam columns throughinexpensive parallel, automated assembly. These low-cost, high-performance columns will make e-beam technology broadly available to single- and multi-column users, previously unable to afford this technology. In single-column use, our technology willcreate the market for a general purpose, tabletop SEM, suitable for use in high school and college labs across the country.

SBIR

Phase I

2003

DOD

DARPA

Rational Engineering of Carbon Nanotube Surfaces

Amount: $69,334

Ideal multifunctional carbon nanotube/epoxy composites will find broad aerospace and earth science applications that require lightweight materials with high electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength and high thermal conductivity. Smooth carbon nanotube sidewalls, however, are incompatible with most solvents and polymers resulting in poor dispersion of nanotubes in polymer matrix, and are difficult to functionalize without altering nanotube's desirable intrinsic properties producing poor adhesion between nanotube and polymer matrix. These factors have resulted in prior studies failing to produce nanotube/polymer composites that realize their full potential. Zyvex proposes to develop a versatile, non-damaging chemistry to rationally engineer carbon nanotubes. This functionalization will enable solubility in organic solvents, which allows homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in a polymer matrix and can also enable the enhanced adhesion between nanotube and matrix. While this technology will be widely applicable, we will concentrate on epoxy-nanotube composites. In Phase I, Zyvex will develop the proposed innovative nanotube surface chemistry, and demonstrate the fabrication of homogeneous nanotube-epoxy composites with enhanced multiple performances. In Phase II, Zyvex will focus on further improving the nanotube/epoxy adhesions by using the nanotube chemistry developed in Phase I, and will demonstrate the superior multiple performances of nanotube-epoxy composites for task-specific NASA applications.

SBIR

Phase I

2003

NASA

Four Probe Stage and Holder for Transmission Electron Microscope

Amount: $69,600

70659 A direct, in-situ, high resolution structural examination and analysis tool would benefit materials science research. However, tool development, especially nanomanipulation and in-situ characterization tools for a transmission electron microscope (TEM), is currently lacking in many respects. In particular, it is limited by having only one robotic arm. In addition, most existing tools have problems in the accurate characterization of the electrical properties of materials, due to excessive contact resistance. This project will develop a four-probe stage and holder for TEM by adopting a multiprobe approach for robotic manipulation and characterization. It will offer the flexibility of four point probe electrical measurements on materials either suspended in space or dispersed on surface. Phase I will construct the new TEM holder, incorporating a four probe manipulation and characterization platform with electrical feedthrough. Stick/slip linear actuators, built within mini-sized piezotubes, will be assembled and tested. The performance of the proposed four probe stage and holder will be demonstrated inside a TEM. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The device should become a powerful tool for researchers to accelerate their investigations into the properties of nanomaterials and their applications. The consequent expansion of research on nanomaterials and progress towards applicable nanotechnology also should stimulate economic activity and usher in new industries focused upon providing nanotechnology products.

SBIR

Phase I

2002

DOE