MAINSTREAM ENGINEERING CORP — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: CBD12-105

Description

This proposal outlines Mainstreams successful Phase I feasibility demonstration related to the fabrication of hierarchical hybrid nanomaterials for oxygen storage vessels. These vessels exceed the volumetric and gravimetric storage capacity of an oxygen cylinder by 245% and 170%, respectively. Included in these storage density values is a solid-state oxygen regulation system that also enables compression of oxygen into the storage system directly from a local water supply. We have demonstrated feasibility that Mainstreams oxygen storage device will be at least 70% lighter and 85% lower volume than that of a standard low pressure 2,216 psi oxygen cylinder. The oxygen storage device does not depend on adsorption or a chemical reaction, which reduces the complexity of the system, making it safe and easy to use. The total stored gas is segregated within the nanomaterial, meaning that partial container rupture does not induce complete containment failure. Phase II will further enhance the performance of this novel oxygen storage technology and produce a full scale prototype that is: lighter, lower volume, conformal, safer, and eliminates the need to transport high pressure oxygen or unstable chemical oxygen sources by producing and pressurizing it from a local water supply.