Rapid Prototyping of Three Dimensional Printed Nanocomposites

The objective of this Phase II ONR program is to transition innovative nanocomposites and rapid prototype processing methods into Navy platforms. During Phase I, NanoSonic developed inkjet printing materials for rapid three-dimensional prototyping and manufacturing of nanocomposite materials with multiple controlled constitutive properties. During Phase II, NanoSonic's nanocomposites would be integrated into Navy platforms. NanoSonic and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) would work cooperatively to synthesize, analyze and down-select multilayered nanostructured materials for final evaluation by a Navy prime. This work would build on electrostatic self-assembly process with the ability to pattern material properties within each monolayer by two-dimensional print deposition, and the ability to scale the process to rapidly form macroscopic materials. Performance and cost reductions associated with the manufacturing of these systems using these materials will be evaluated by our Phase II DoD prime partners and NPS. These novel nanocomposites offer a wide range of constitutive properties, including electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and permittivity, which may be varied via control of ply thickness through unique drop on demand rapid prototyping technology. Multiple 3-D plies may be incorporated into structural polymer matrix composite materials to provide integrated thermal and electromagnetic properties not achievable in conventional composites.