ZnO Nanowire Interleave for Enhanced Interlaminar Strength

The objective of this SBIR research project is to develop a treatment for interlaminar reinforcement that maintains the composite"s in-plane properties. Because the interlaminar region is a critical component of the composite and no current technology adequately addresses its weaknesses, this research has the potential for major commercial and technological impacts. The current technology gap to address the interlaminar strength and the DoDs high demand for improved composites will offer numerous opportunities to insert our technology into a range of defense applications. The interlaminar reinforcement has been accomplished through the treatment of prepreg. Unlike existing treatments, the technology developed in this effort is low cost, environmentally benign, compatible with prepreg processing, can be extended to a production-scale and does not require advanced tooling or resin transfer processes (although it can be blended into the polymer prior to impregnation or RTM).