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Biofiber-Reinforced Structural Composites for Use in Matting/Temporary Roadway Panels

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W56HZV-04-C-0115
Agency Tracking Number: A032-1274
Amount: $69,997.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A03-213
Solicitation Number: 2003.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2003
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2004-02-26
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2004-08-26
Small Business Information
9063 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78733
United States
DUNS: 625120902
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 John Bulluck
 Principal Investigator
 (512) 263-2101
 jbulluck@tri-austin.com
Business Contact
 Monte Fellingham
Title: Contracts Administrator
Phone: (512) 263-2101
Email: mfellingham@tri-austin.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The Army's goal of deploying faster and farther can potentially be met using biofiber reinforced degradable composites. Fully degradable structural composites require the use of high strength natural fibers, a degradable polymer matrix material compatible with the fibers, and excellent bond strength between the two. In this case, the application for the degradable composite is to assist military vehicles in climbing muddy inclines adjacent water crossings. This challenge requires knowledge and experience in 3 unique areas for a total solution to come to fruition: subgrade reinforcement for roadways, engineering using composite materials, and degradable polymer chemistry. TRI/Austin is unique in that all these areas of expertise can be found under one roof. TRI will use the expertise of its environmental division, which houses the world's first accredited geosynthetic testing facility, to develop the overall strategy required to provide roadway reinforcement functionality through the use of geosynthetics/organic erosion control product hybrids. TRI's mechanical engineering division will develop the composite material structure required to make up the selected reinforcement system. Finally, TRI's polymer materials science division will build on previous research to develop the best biofiber/matrix material system.

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

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