Super-Nanocomposite Components for Advanced Interceptors

Carbon nanotubes have a unique combination of extreme properties which make them highly desirable as filler materials for a wide range of advanced composites. They are 100 times stronger than steel but only 1/6 the weight, are the stiffest of all materials, have a low density, and have the highest thermal conductivity of any material. These filler materials have the potential to form super-nanocomposites with properties not achieved with conventional metals. In this Phase I program, Omega will use advanced processing techniques to develop two new families of super-nanocomposite materials based on carbon nanotubes. These carbon nanotube/metal matrix composites will be fabricated using innovative processing techniques which will allow the inherent properties of the carbon nanotubes to be exploited. Prototypes of the material will be produced, their structure will be characterized by a variety of techniques, and the mechanical properties of these samples will be measured. These super-nanocomposites will offer ultrahigh specific strength and stiffness, improved hypersonic ablation resistance and better thermal performance which will be extremely attractive for components in interceptor structures (Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, Multiple Kill Vehicle, and Kinetic Energy Interceptor).