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Self-Healing Adhesives and Composites

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA9550-06-C-0079
Agency Tracking Number: F064-025-0233
Amount: $99,972.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF06-T025
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2006-08-23
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2007-05-23
Small Business Information
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
United States
DUNS: 627132913
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Bryan Koene
 Principal Investigator
 (540) 552-5128
 submissions302@lunainnovations.com
Business Contact
 Michael Pruzan
Title: Director of Contracts
Phone: (540) 552-5128
Email: submissions302@lunainnovations.com
Research Institution
 SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
 R. B Kalmbach
 
6220 Culebra Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78238
United States

 (210) 522-2261
 Domestic Nonprofit Research Organization
Abstract

The replacement of metal aerospace structures with polymer matrix composites (PMCs) provides up to 50% weight savings. This reduction in weight will enable significant gains in performance (increased range, payload, and velocities) and decreased costs. One of the obstacles to the widespread use of composites is their susceptibility to mechanical and thermal damage, particularly at joints between adjacent components. These thermal or mechanical stresses result in microcracking, which ultimately leads to structural failure. Recent research has demonstrated the ability for microencapsulated monomers to self-heal a damaged composite by filling in these cracks as they are formed. While the fundamental demonstration of technique was successful, its large scale implementation has been obstructed due to cost limitations and material incompatibility leading to poor bonding. Luna Innovations proposes to advance this technology with the use of inexpensive healing materials that will form strong, tough bonds to the composites and adhesives to prevent crack propagation. Luna’s team has extensive experience in the areas of microencapsulation, self healing materials, composites fabrication, and testing.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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