At Zyvex, we’ve developed, and continue to develop a large portfolio of R&D programs and activities supporting leading governmental agencies spearheading nanotechnology initiatives critical to our nation’s economic development, health, and safety.
In November 2003, Zyvex Corporation announced the Phase II award of a NASA SBIR program entitled, “Hierarchical composites comprising continuous carbon nanotube composite fibers in a nanotube-reinforced matrix.” The program’s objective was to develop ultra-high-strength, low-weight composites for aerospace applications. Specifically, this work would enable the combination of continuous CNT fibers with a CNT-reinforced host polymer.
The two-year program built on a carbon nanotube functionalization approach that increased carbon nanotube solubility without damaging or degrading nanotube properties, and on continuous carbon nanotube composite fibers with high specific strength and toughness. This program combined these approaches for the first time and resulted in mechanical properties exceeding those of any current carbon fiber/polymer composite.
The original program was started with the Phase I award in February 2003. The ZPM team will continue their work on an innovative nanotube surface chemistry and demonstrate the fabrication of hierarchical composites with enhanced performance.
The current materials research industry needs to be able to effectively process CNTs in order to take advantage of their extraordinary material properties for commercial applications. The NASA award on nanocomposites is just one application of ZPM’s rational engineering of CNT surfaces.
If you are a member of a government agency and would like to learn more about our current and future capabilities and services, please contact info@zyvexpro.com.
©Zyvex Performance Materials 2010