Reactive-Fiber-Reinforced Composites as Structural Materials

We propose to develop reactive composite materials with sufficient strength and stiffness to serve as structural components for penetrating weapons and other munitions. The composites will consist of two materials that react with each other, in either oxidation-reduction (such as in a thermite) or bimetallic reactions. One component will be in the form of fiber, wire, or wire-mesh, within a bonding matrix of the other component or a third material, such as epoxy or other polymer. The result will be a fiber-reinforced composite material with substantial strength and stiffness properties that can be tailored to specific applications, while providing significant thermal energy release on impact. This greater energy on impact will provide increased weapons effectiveness, including in defeating hard and deeply buried targets. Various material systems and conventional composites fabrication techniques will be investigated.