Thermally Stable Nano-Reinforced Materials for Space Radar Reflectors

This Phase I SBIR program will assess the suitability of using nano-reinforced polymer resins in carbon-fiber-reinforced composite materials for the reflective surface of advanced large-aperture space radar and/or communication reflectors. These materials will provide high thermal stability and precision, as well as a solid – non-porous – reflective surface, making them far superior to metallic mesh membrane materials used in current deployable reflector systems. Furthermore, the materials will be thin and flexible enough (in bending) to be compatible with the type of deployment mechanisms currently used and envisioned for large-aperture mesh reflectors. Test coupons of composite matrices reinforced using vapor grown carbon nanofibers and other nano materials will be evaluated based on thermal expansion coefficient, strain-to-failure, and creep performance under high-strain furled conditions. Material processing and manufacturing will be demonstrated through the fabrication of a nano-reinforced subscale antenna model.