Moldable Self-Reinforced Plastics for Lightweight Rocket Components

We propose to develop new materials and methods which will make possible low cost, injection molded missiles and rockets. The key technology is rigid-rod Poly-X (TM) resins invented at Maxdem, which have unprecedented stiffness and strength, and are thermally processable. Maxdem's Poly-X(TM) resins are three to four times stiffer than other advanced thermoplastics. Introduction of high volume production methods made possible by new structural thermoplastics will lower the cost and increase safety leading to significantly improved weapons systems. Demonstration of injection molded pressure vessels in general is expected to lead to important civilian markets, including pressurized liquid fuel tanks.