No-Oven, No-Autoclave, Composite Processing

Cornerstone Research Group Inc. (CRG) proposes to continue the efforts from the 2010 NASA SBIR Phase I topic X5.03, "No-Oven, No-Autoclave (NONA) Composite Processing." NONA offers NASA the ability to manufacture composites without an oven or autoclave, which will significantly decrease manufacturing costs. Large, single-piece composite structures for NASA Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles are currently expensive to fabricate partly because of the capital equipment (ovens, autoclaves, and tooling) needed to cure the part and maintain tolerances at cure conditions. There are only a few autoclaves in the world large enough to support large composite fabrication, and they are already committed to long-term programs. The cost of building additional autoclaves is prohibitive, and inherent size constraints still remain.CRG's innovative technology addresses these roadblocks by providing:- High-performance, 350F epoxy composite cured without oven or autoclave- Decreased capital, operating, and labor costs- No post cure required- A scalable resin infusion process- Increased part throughput