Development of Low Cost, High Tensile Strength Composite Materials and Connection Systems Utilizing Thermoplastic Matrix Composites

Many items of both commercial, military equipment and infrastructure require materials with high tensile properties combined with resistance to corrosive environments and other environmental factors. Today these applications are typically made in steel with the attendant problems of corrosion protection, monitoring and maintenance. Composite materials have the potential to eliminate the corrosion issue while significantly improving performance and ease of use due to their reduced weight, however, in spite of the availability of thermoset matrix composite materials with adequate tensile performance they typically cannot be used in these applications because no practical system exists to manufacture end fittings and connections for them. We have developed a composite based upon a thermoplastic matrix which offers tensile performance comparable to or better than existing thermoset composites but which, because of the thermoplastic nature of its matrix, is capable of having various kinds of end connections post-formed in place. These thermoplastic composites can be manufactured at high speeds and resulting low cost. Three concepts are identified and will be evaluated under this proposal.