NSF Award
0060715
This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop metal matrix composite (MMC) and ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials with tailorable properties (thermal expansion, conductivity, stiffness, ductility, etc.). An increase in properties for high volume reinforced (25-65 wt% SiC) aluminum materials using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) fluid bed coated powders and low cost consolidation techniques has been achieved. Dramatic increases in flexure strength (30%) and modulus (40%) have been achieved with Al coated SiC powder and using low cost consolidation techniques. A greater understanding of the effect of CVD coated powder and consolidation processing is required to fully understand the nano-engineered material being produced, and to develop even greater and distinctly different physical and mechanical properties. In this Phase I project, this fundamental understanding will be developed. <br/><br/>The family of composites to be developed will be applied as cost-effective substitutes for titanium and beryllium materials for applications in electronic packaging, lightweight structures, aircraft engine and airframe components, and sporting goods.
