Advanced Carbon Nanotubes- Based Polymer Matrix Composites for Satellites

The Phase I results have proven the feasibility of creating breakthrough polymer matrix composites (PMC) with high-loadings of well dispersed nanotubes in engineering polymer matrixes. The exceptional mechanical properties of the developed PMCs will be further improved in the Phase II effort by increasing the nanotube loading in the PMC to the packing limit, through optimizing the interface of the nanotubes for their compatibility with selected space rated polymer matrixes, and through improving the fabrication of the PMC’s. Innovative techniques will be used for manufacturing the nanotube mats and for their incorporation into polymer matrices of interest to create composites with mechanical properties tailored to specific aerospace deployable structure applications in the satellite industry. The Phase II effort will culminate with the fabrication of select components made from these composites and these components will be field tested by end users in the industry for demonstration and validation of the proposed effort.