Enamel Composite Applicator

To address the U.S. Army need for a method to produce vitreous-enameled fibers for use in reinforced concrete, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Enamel Composite Applicator (ENCAP) coating technology. The proposed manufacturing technique is based on continuous processing of metal filaments, which results in the fabrication of porcelain-encapsulated fibers that form exceptionally strong bonds within the cement matrix and are compatible with a broad range of concrete formulations. The innovation in the ENCAP approach will enable our system to directly address the Armys requirement and allow quick production ramp-up, using common, commercially available precursor components. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of producing ENCAP-enhanced metal fibers on a small scale by building a benchtop prototype of the process line and fabricating and testing the performance of a single gauge type in one fiber material. In Phase II, POC plans to scale up the production equipment prototype and demonstrate the commercial feasibility of producing ENCAP fibers in bulk quantities, and to apply this technology to multiple fiber materials and gauges.