Aluminum-CNF Lightweight Radiator Components

This proposal relates to a new materials concept for an aluminum-carbon nanofiber composite, high thermal conductivity ultra lightweight material that will form the basis for robust, lightweight deployable metallic radiator designs. Specifically, this program will result in availability of high thermal conductivity, low coefficient of expansion, extremely low density carbon nanotube-reinforced aluminum composites suitable for use in radiator panel facesheets, closeouts, supports and joints.

Non-NASA applications include the electronics industry for chip packaging Ga/ chips and other high heat load components needing heat removal. Other applications could be found in automotive and aerospace engine applications

One example is a deployable space station radiator , electronic control boxes and other systems that need heat management especially in large scale devices and objects needing isotropic properties.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.