Ultrathin High Temperature Multifunctional Coaxial Wire Insulation

This SBIR project will develop a novel experimental protocol utilizing the fundamentals of materials science, chemistry, nano-engineering, and automation to create a first-of-its-kind two-dimensional (2D) thin-film coaxial wire construction with remarkable lightweight, strength, high-temperature, and anti-oxidation properties. Capitalizing on our preliminary results, the core fabrication leverages the unique exotic properties (e.g., unprecedented dielectrics, ultra-light stacks, exceptional mechanical properties) of the emerging 2D materials followed by strategic integrations with existing technologies, enabling merger of structures and materials in wire insulations. Key unique features of our product are 1) super-high temperature tolerance and anti-oxidation resistant, 2) superior properties of lightweight, strength and toughness, 3) nanofabrication precision over wire alignment and assembly, 4) natural integration to the existing manufacturing facilities, and 5) low-cost.The project outcomes will lead to a major proof-of-concept multifunctional wire insulation with great potential for massive scale-up in Phase II-III. Broadly, this project will open up an entirely new phase space for multiscale engineering of novel wire insulation materials with a wide range of applications in defense and commercial industry. C-Cretes experience in projects with similar complexity along with our collective state-of-the-art facilities/equipment as well as our key relationships with industry (Lockheed Martin, GE Aviation) will catalyze commercialization efforts.