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STTR PHASE I: Fabrication of Aluminum Matrix Nanocomposites

Award Information
Agency: National Science Foundation
Branch: N/A
Contract: 0740265
Agency Tracking Number: 0740265
Amount: $150,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: AM
Solicitation Number: NSF 07-551
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
3120 Bowfield Way
West Lafayette, IN 47906
United States
DUNS: 627376200
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Clause Xu
 PhD
 (765) 413-6008
 clausexu@hanstek.net
Business Contact
 Clause Xu
Title: PhD
Phone: (765) 413-6008
Email: clausexu@hanstek.net
Research Institution
 Purdue University
 Qingyou Han
 
401 N. Grant Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
United States

 (765) 494-5866
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop a reliable and effective processing technique to produce a next-generation metal matrix composite comprised of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide nanoparticles dispersed in an aluminum alloy metal matrix. The proposed technology combines the merits of the traditional stirring method and the latest high-intensity ultrasonic processing technology. The use of an impeller stirrer creates a vortex to efficiently pull the lighter nanoparticles into the melt. The use of high-intensity ultrasonic vibration breaks up the nanoparticles clusters and disperses the nanoparticles into the melt. The successful completion of the Phase I project will lead to a breakthrough technology for the processing of metal matrix nanocomposite materials and for the utilization of lightweight materials for applications at elevated temperatures and critical conditions. The technology can be used to reinforce aluminum, magnesium, or other lightweight materials for replacing iron, steel, or titanium components for automotive, power transmission, aviation, and defense applications, leading to significant energy savings, cost savings, and environmental benefits. The U.S. transportation industry continues to focus on the increased use of lightweight alloys for weight and energy savings.

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

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