SBIR/STTR Award attributes
In this program Optowares Inc., in collaboration with Professor Jay H. Park at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell (UML), proposes to develop a novel technique for uniform dispersion and alignment of short fiber reinforcement in highly loaded composite materials. The new approach combines the cutting-edge polymer composite synthesis and development methods at Optowares with the extensive experience in engineering and simulation of composites within the UML team. The team proposes to develop an advanced flow-induced technique that transports carbon fiber/water suspension via multi-channel spinneret. The proposed method addresses two main challenges of this solicitation: i) uniform dispersion of the fibers by minimizing mutually strong cohesion between them, and ii) developing a robust and scalable apparatus that can highly orient fibers. The engineering aspects of fiber dispersion/orientation will be investigated with multiscale simulations to understand the dynamic flow behavior and aid with efficient processing optimization. The current proposed technique is the most scalable continuous process that can be well-integrated into an existing infrastructure with a mechanical rolling capability. The overall aims of this program are i) to bring laboratory-demonstrated technique to practical production of composite materials for Army applications and ii) to demonstrate the economic viability for commercial manufacturing.
