NASA has signed a potential $ 8.1 million contract with Nanocomp Technologies of Huntsman Group to "continue to improve the manufacturing of high-performance carbon nanotubes (CNT) composites "Strength CNT wire / strip is at least twice as strong as existing carbon fiber composites. The contract also provides research into the commercialization of CNT materials and expansion of manufacturing capabilities to reduce the production costs of high-strength CNT wires."
This fixed-price contract allows Nanocomp to continue the development of the Miralon® product line of CNT composites with the goal of developing high-strength CNT wires / ribbons that are at least twice as strong as existing carbon fiber composites. This contract project is the third phase of the "SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) Program", which was invested by NASA. Starting from September 26, 2018, 15 months of basic research in the advanced behavior period, and 17 based on the results of the research Follow-up study of the month. Basic research and follow-up research are expected to bring potential economic value of $ 8.1 million.
The entire project is managed by the Advanced Materials and Processing Division of the Board of Directors of the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
The SBIR Program encourages small businesses to conduct innovative research to meet the federal government's specific R & D needs. The work and results of the first phase of the project provide a solid foundation for the sustainable development, demonstration and delivery of innovation to be achieved in the second phase of the project and subsequent work. The third phase project is the commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services resulting from the first or second phase of the contract.
Miralon® consists of interconnected long nanotube bundles for the production of sheet, wire, strip and other products. It is very lightweight, sturdy, has excellent ductility and conductivity, and can transfer heat across a variety of material forms and applications.
Miralon® products have been successfully used in honeycomb panels, composites and structural additives. These ultra-lightweight solutions provide new composites with ten times higher elongation at break than carbon fiber composites.