Low Cost, Composite Modular Packaging with Biodegradability for Military Supplies

KaZaK Composites Incorporated (KCI), with assistance from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, proposes to develop and produce an innovative modular packaging system for use in the transport and delivery of military supplies. The motivation for such future packaging systems is driven by the current need to enhance operational efficiency of soldiers in the battlefield through swift and accurate provision of supplies. In addition to the low cost, modular, and lightweight construction inherent to providing such efficacy, modular packaging will incorporate features of biodegradability, fire resistance, and favorable munitions stabilization under mechanical impact and excessive thermal loading. KCI development efforts will focus on the production of novel, low cost, and lightweight packaging systems for delivering both solid and liquid contents through the application of advanced fiber reinforced composite materials, along with the appropriate use of metal / composite hybridization. Composite materials offer enormous flexibility in constituency, allowing precise tailoring to mechanical, electrical, and chemical performance requirements. Processes such as pultrusion, filament winding, and injection molding will be employed to produce large quantities of packaging at competitively low costs. KCI has considerable experience in novel munitions packaging and has demonstrated a 60% weight reduction over comparable metal designs.