SBIR Phase I: Multifunctional NanoPapers for Structural, Wear-Resistant and Conducting Applications

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to develop a layer-by-layer spray technology capable of integrating commercially-available nanoparticles, including multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF) and nanoclays into stable and strong nanopapers by electrostatic bonding, offering superior surface wear resistance and electrical conductivity properties at much lower cost and higher production rate than existing methods. The broader/commercial impact of this project will be the potential to provide light-weight, high-strength and low-cost nanopapers with superior Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding capability and wear resistance. The nanopapers are expected to form strong bonding with the matrix resin such as epoxy. The resulting nanocomposite materials can be used as structural composites for a broad range of applications including aerospace industry, wind energy generators and so on.