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Reactive Finish Formulation for Improving Interfacial Bonding in Carbon/Vinyl Ester Composites

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N65538-04-M-0143
Agency Tracking Number: N041-094-1483
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N04-094
Solicitation Number: 2004.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2004-05-13
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2005-10-31
Small Business Information
9621 Camino del Sol NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
United States
DUNS: 859106296
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Ronald Allred
 President
 (505) 346-1685
 adherenttech@comcast.net
Business Contact
 Susan Switzer
Title: Administrative Projects M
Phone: (505) 346-1685
Email: adherenttech@comcast.net
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The interface is often a limiting factor in determining the durability of composite materials used in harsh environments. Attaining a well-bonded interface is particularly difficult with low-temperature curing matrix resin systems. A need exists for a carbon fiber adhesion promoting finish that is compatible with vinyl ester chemistry. Prior work using reactive coupling agent chemistries modified to function with vinyl ester moieties cures showed that the modified reactive finishes allow control of interfacial adhesion in these composite systems. The reactive finishes provide superior interface dominated mechanical properties and are compatible with resin infusion processing. Carbon/vinyl ester composites fabricated with the reactive finishes are also expected to exhibit improved environmental durability due to the improved interfacial bonding. The reactive finishes to date have been applied from organic solvents. Before these chemistries can be applied on a large scale by carbon fiber manufacturers, they must be formulated into water-based systems. Once that is accomplished, then the finish must be optimized for compatibility with vinyl ester resins, resin infusion techniques, and weaving processes. These areas and the development of an extensive composite properties database, including durability testing, are proposed to be addressed.

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

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