New Flexible FR Polyurethane Foams for Energy Absorption Applications

Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

Development of new polyurethane (PU) insulation foams through a non-toxic environmentally friendly composite approach. Target FR foams will exhibit high heat flow resistance as well as lower density than conventional PU. Foams involve synergism between novel phosphonate FRs and smoke suppression agents coupled with use of aerogel. Preliminary data show peak heat release rates reduced by 50% versus PU, smoke equal to PU and ignition times delayed from 25 to 143 seconds.

Benefits

Cost effective Flexible Polyurethane Foams for Cryogenic insulation (NAA) Fireproofing (NASA) Energy absorption (NASA) Other Aerospace applications (NASA)

Other allied applications for high performance foam (Non-NASA)

Details

Technology area	Thermal Management Systems > Thermal Control Components and Systems > Insulation and Interfaces
Program	Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR)
Lead organization	Gordon Nelson and Associates, Melbourne, FL
Start date	2012-02-23
End date	2013-02-22

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Martha K Williams — Martha.K.Williams@nasa.gov
Feng Yang

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.