SBIR Phase II: Nanolaminate Structural Composites

该小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第二阶段项目涉及高强度聚合物/金属多层膜(PML)纳米层的制备。在第一阶段，Sigma Technologies已经证明，铝/聚合物纳米层状物具有与铝相比的独特优势，(A)优异的抗拉强度(在某些情况下超过3倍)，(B)和较低的密度。此外，Sigma还根据实验结果开发了一个预测多层复合材料拉伸强度的数值模型。PML复合材料的诱人特性引起了一家主要航空航天和航空电子设备OEM(原始设备制造商)对该产品的浓厚兴趣。这种复合材料的其他功能包括超高的气体和蒸汽阻隔性、高导电性、电磁屏蔽、对低可见应用有用的优先导热系数以及结构自我监控特性。在第二阶段，Sigma将进一步优化PML复合材料的性能，并升级现有的设备，以生产7英尺x 4英尺的PML面板。部件将由Sigma及其工业和大学合作伙伴独立测试。市场研究表明，多功能结构PML复合材料可以服务于多种应用。西格玛将遵循一个系统的计划，以确定利基市场并提供样本进行评估。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project deals with the fabrication ofultra high strength Polymer/Metal Multi-layers (PML) nanolaminates. In Phase I, Sigma Technologies has demonstrated that the Aluminum/Polymer nanolaminates have distinctive advantages over Aluminum, (a) a superior tensile strength (over 3 fold in some cases), (b) and a lower density. Furthermore, Sigma has developed, based on experimental results, a numerical model to predict the tensile strength of multilayercomposites. The attractive features of the PML composites have generated a significant interest in this product by a major aerospace and avionics OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer. Additional functionality of this composite includes ultra-high gas and vapor barrier, high electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, preferential heat conductivity that is useful for low observable applications, and structural self-monitoring characteristics.In Phase II, Sigma will further optimize the properties of the PML composites and upgrade equipment that is already in place to produce 7ft x 4ft PML panels. Parts will be tested independently by Sigma and its industrial and university partners. Market research has shown that several applications may be served by the multifunctional structural PML composites. Sigma will follow a systematic plan to identify niche markets and supply samples for evaluation.