Polymer Matrix Composites Program

The Office of Naval Research Polymer Matrix Composites program focuses on advancing understanding to exploit research on carbon nanotube fibers. These fibers have been found to possess remarkable tensile strength compared to ordinary carbon and other fibers. Fiber re-enforcement of polymer matrices has been used for decades to increase the strength of polymeric materials. This program supports efforts to increase the yield and decrease the cost of producing sufficiently large quantities of carbon nanotube fibers to build and test polymer matrix components. In addition, research is encouraged to find optimum blends of polymeric materials to use with the fibers. The concomitant testing of materials is supported.

Applications

• Load bearing/impact sustaining non-metallic structures