Erosion Resistant Compressor Blade Repair Technologies, Phase I

This Phase I SBIR program will demonstrate the use of wear resistant high strength nanocomposites in the turbine engine repair and refurbishment process. The metallic nanocomposite will be applied using laser additive remanufacturing to worn turbine blades. This would provide greatly increased erosion resistance for rotorcraft turbine engines, extending their life and reducing fuel consumption by 15-20% over the life of the engine. Powdermet will develop composite feedstocks optimized for laser additive manufacturing, and is teamed with Flight Support International, and FAA certified repair shop certified for T64 engine repairs.

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.