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Nanostructured Composites for Space-Bound Housings—Mainstream Engineering Corporation, 200 Yellow Place, Rockledge, FL 32955-5327; 321-631-3550, www.mainstream-engr.com 

Mr. John Meyer, Principal Investigator, jam@mainstream-engr.com 

Mr. Michael A. Rizzo, Business Official, mar@mainstream-engr.com 

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-06ER84633

Amount:  $99,946 

In satellites designed to monitor nuclear explosions, current electromechanical housings are fabricated from aluminum, which is much heavier than composite materials.  Because it costs approximately $10,000 per pound to put an object into space, weight is critical.  However, even with the obvious weight advantage, composite materials are not used:  their low strength and minimal conductivity render present-day composites unsuitable for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.  This project will develop carbon-nanotube-based composite materials with much higher thermal and electrical conductivity.  With increased conductance and carbon nanotube strength, these advanced composites would be suitable for space-bound housing.  Phase I will synthesize carbon nanotubes, combine them in a resin to be hardened, and test the materials for strength and conductance.  Phase II will involve further refinement and upward scaling for an eventual space-bound housing structure.  

Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee:  Lightweight conductive composites would have obvious use in aviation, where weight is critical.  In addition, nearly every fabrication industry seeks to reduce the mass of its products – this new class of carbon nanotube composites would be highly sought.