Description: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) provide an avenue to prepare corrosion resistant and environmentally friendly materials. Recent improvements in the electrical properties of CNTs suggest that CNTs offer a viable substitute for nickel-based conductive fillers used for establishing an integrated conductive surface for ESD/EMI purposes. The light weight of CNTs makes them attractive for use in air vehicle applications. To date, most of the relevant development efforts have been done on a small scale or at the component level due to the limitation on the current capacity of CNT production and its associated cost. As a result of these limitations, integrating CNT non-woven mats into polymer resin systems to form a composite prepreg for large scale trials has not yet been achieved. The intent of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topic is to develop a mass producible, light weight, environmentally friendly, structurally integrated CNT mat for use in graphite composite laminates with integrated shielding. Production quantities should target rolls of dry CNT mats approximately 52 inches wide and 100 feet in length. The projected cost of the CNT shall be less than $10/gram at the end of Phase II. Note that this SBIR is strictly intended for developing and/or scaling up a material and process system for a dry CNT mat product.The main focus of the program shall be: 1) Optimize the aerial density of a CNT mat that meets shielding requirements 2) Develop a process to integrate the dry CNT mats into epoxy and BMI resin systems 3) Develop a process to make a prepreg roll from the integrated CNT/polymer material 4) Develop an in-situ quality control during the synthesis of CNTs 5) Verify the properties of the final product.
Please refer to the online version of this solicitation at http://www.dodsbir.net/solicitation/sbir083/default.htm.
Posted - August 22, 2008
OSD08-EP1 is now OSD08-E09
OSD08-EP2 is now OSD08-E10
OSD08-EP3 is now OSD08-E11
OSD08-EP4 is now OSD08-E12
OSD08-CR1 is now OSD08-CR5
OSD08-CR2 is now OSD08-CR6
OSD08-CR3 is now OSD08-CR7
OSD08-CR4 is now OSD08-CR8
Please refer to the online version of this solicitation at http://www.dodsbir.net/solicitation/sbir083/default.htm.
Posted - August 22, 2008
Propulsion Directorate, Sensors Directorate, Air Vehicles Directorate, Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Flight Test Center.
Please refer to the online version of this solicitation at http://www.dodsbir.net/solicitation/sbir083/default.htm.
Posted - August 19, 2008
PHASE I section has been changed to read:
Establish a list of innovative concepts for achieving the goals above. Conduct computer modeling, subscale testing or other verifiable methods to help understand the benefits of innovative concepts identified. Select the most promising approaches that have a clear traceability to the ABL system. Based on your selection criteria, develop multiple Concept Designs for subscale devices and a Phase II Program Plan for the design, fabrication and test (including test reporting) of subscale device(s) to validate the selected concept.
PHASE II section has been changed to read:
Execute the Program Plan developed in Phase I as directed by the government. In a meeting with the Government, jointly select one or more of the concept designs from Phase I. Design, fabricate, integrate and test the selected concept(s) as specified in the proposed Program Plan. The test report must discuss fully how key technical challenges were overcome and risks mitigated. Demonstrate clear traceability to a full-scale device. Develop a Phase III Program Plan that will include your integration and test strategy for a module sized full scale ejector device. Identify remaining key technical challenges, risks, and risk mitigation strategies. This plan should include proposals for tests of the full scale device either in-house, or at a contractor or government facility.
Posted - August 11, 2008
Posted - August 7, 2008