Novel Nanocomposite Materials with Self-Assembled Coating for Defense Applications

This program will develop methods for the design and synthesis of novel nanocomposite materials having self-assembled monolayer coatings for defense applications. Synthesis will be based on the combination of low-cost powder processing invented by NASA, and ionic self-assembled monolayer (ISAM) methods invented at Virginia Tech. F&S has exclusive licenses to both enabling patents. The powder process uses very low concentrations of high-performance polymeric adhesives in solution to coat intractable powders to form non-sag, self-leveling pastes and tough, dense net shape polymer/powder parts by compression molding. The ISAM procedure allows the layer-by-layer formation of multilayer thin-film coatings on such parts using simple dipping or spin coating followed by drying at room temperature and pressure. Together, they offer excellent control over both bulk and surface material properties to achieve lightweight, radiation hard, acoustically suppressive and chemically resistive materials. F&S will team with Litton and envisions cooperative long-term product manufacturing in extensive Litton production facilities. PI Michael Miller has twenty years industrial experience in the development and manufacturing of products based on advanced materials synthesis techniques. Non-Federal commercialization funding is pledged by private industry and the State of Virginia. Major product opportunities exist in military applications (lightweight, radhard, acoustically suppressive, chemically resistive materials) and consumer uses (bearings, washers, gears, valves, pistons, electrical/optical components, microactuators, MEMS devices, and thermal insulation)