TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE , AUSTIN, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A17-005

Description

A composite repair matrix resin was demonstrated during Phase I having an extended shelf life of three to five years. This capability will improve quality and consistency of composite repair processes. It will also reduce the need for re-certification of expired resin materials in field repair operations. The resin was designed specifically for composite repair applications, although the technology could easily be transitioned to other composite fabrication areas. The low viscosity of the resin system permits fast wet-out of the reinforcement and rapid cure under anaerobic conditions, with minimal heat. The low viscosity also decreases the level of porosity in the cured laminate. In addition, real-time cure dynamics tests demonstrated cure rates that will permit seamless integration into field and depot level repair situations. The Phase II team will optimize the resin system and perform testing to confirm that the materials are capable of providing the performance required in a repeatable and reliable manner. More complex repair parts will be fabricated which will be evaluated for mechanical properties. A business case analysis of the developed materials will be performed to quantify the savings that can be realized compared to current repair resin systems.