SBIR Phase I: Light Weight Composites for Automotive Applications

3tex, Inc., Cary NC

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will integrate materials processing and will develop a new lightweight and resilient three-dimensional woven fiber reinforced cellular matrix composite (3DCMC) material. Lightweight materials will allow fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly vehicles. The 3DCMC have the potential to significantly surpass the strength, stiffness, damage tolerance, energy absorption, and characteristics of current composite materials. Predictive analysis for a detailed characterization and optimization will be performed. The commercial potential of this project will be a new class of lightweight 3-D woven composites with cellular matrix; this will benefit the automotive industry.