Polymer Matrix Composite Materials for Lightning Strike Mitigation, Phase I

In this phase I SBIR program, a team led by Advanced Ceramics Research Inc. (ACR) propose a novel, low-cost manufacturing process for multi-functional polymer composite components with improved lightning strike mitigation and EMI shielding capabilities. The proposed program will develop and demonstrate a process for manufacturing complex-geometry composite parts with tailored lightning strike mitigation capability based on design requirements. This process is a natural extension of the ACR water-soluble tooling process for fabricating complex-geometry polymer composite parts as well as filament wound composite tanks. For the proposed phase I program, the ACR-led team will use a novel process to create a highly conductive surface capable of providing the necessary lightning strike protection and EMI shielding. The ACR team will evaluate the new approach with two different space qualified matrix polymers with graphite fibers and compare the surface conductivity with baseline composite systems.

The technology could be used by commercial aircraft manufacturers as well as military contractors.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.