POLYMATERIALS APP, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: MDA19-007

Description

PolyMaterials App, LLC (PolyMaterials) proposes to develop a supercapacitor cell suited for MDA applications after a very successful Phase I and Phase II effort addressing topic number MDA19-007, “Supercapacitor Nano-architecture Using Bio-carbon-based Materials Derived from Plant Cellulose”. The primary objective of this 2nd Phase II proposal is to transition PolyMaterials’ supercapacitor, the [P]-CAP, to MDA Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) applications. To meet this objective, PolyMaterials proposes to refine the supercapacitor design, enhance quality control, power management circuits, simulation tools, and provide more application demonstrations for the developed module supercapacitors for MDA applications. Prior work has produced an IEC certified prototype pouch cell design with a cycle life >100,000 cycles but it needs the development of a compact and robust design for higher current and voltage applications. PolyMaterials will focus on fabricating a robust, compact, stable, high power, and high energy pouch and cylindrical cell through the successes of our prior MDA work on our patented materials and fabrication techniques. We propose to continue our collaboration with Drs. Arash Takshi, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Sagar Pandit, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Dr Srinivas Katkoori, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering all from University of South Florida and Dr. Steven Lenhert, Associate Prof. from Florida State University, who has successfully developed the required biomaterials and is working to optimize for scaled production. Lockheed Martin has agreed to play a critical role in the validation of the supercapacitor performance metrics, strategic planning, and testing for MDA applications. PolyMaterials will deliver these prototypes to Lockheed Martin for independent evaluation and engineering design for MDA application. Additionally, the development of power management circuitry will be pursued for utilizing our [P]-CAPs in a module format for providing our competitive advantages for high current and high voltage applications. The [P]-CAP modules will allow PolyMaterials to target MDA applications and sequentially target the energy harvesting, medical devices, electric vehicle, aircraft, and watercraft market segments. Through this Phase II, PolyMaterials will achieve a TRL 6. PolyMaterials plans to reach to DoD Primes and the private sector for achieving a TRL 7 and above through private investment, offering a route for a Phase III transition to full scale manufacturing and continued commercialization. Approved for Public Release | 23-MDA-11635 (9 Nov 23)