SBIR-STTR Award

Novel Graphene Mg Nanocomposite for High Strength and Lightweight Structural Applications
Award last edited on: 10/12/2011

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : Army
Total Award Amount
$69,960
Award Phase
1
Solicitation Topic Code
A10-053
Principal Investigator
Robert Anstey

Company Information

Graphene Devices Ltd (AKA: Graphenix Development Inc~GDL)

138 Chapel Woods
Williamsville, NY 14221
   (716) 560-1507
   info@graphenedev.com
   www.graphenedev.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 26
County: Erie

Phase I

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase I year
2011
Phase I Amount
$69,960
Mg alloys such as AZ31 are attractive for military armor applications, because of their strength to weight ratio, and ease of machining. Research has shown that reduction of grain sizes below 100 nm can result in an increase in material performance, and strength. However Mg nano-particles can be dangerous to process, as a result of their pyrophoric nature, and very sensitive to corrosion and oxidation. By using a unique synthesis technique, GDL will combine graphene nano-particles with Mg nano-particles in a chemical solution phase method. This method will strengthen the resulting nanocomposite and increase corrosion resistance of the nano-Mg. This novel nanocomposite will have the advantages of being lighter than aluminum alloys, while having as high or higher strength, without the normal vulnerabilities and dangers of Mg processing. It will also lower the cost of production using Spark Plasma Sintering to produce near net shapes directly from powder. As a result particle sizes can be reduced and keep below 100 nm in diameter, and tensile strength should be increased well over 300 MPa g-1 cm3 while also increasing ductility.

Keywords:
Graphene, Magnesium, Nano-Composite, Armor, Soldier Survivability, Aerospace, Automotive.

Phase II

Contract Number: ----------
Start Date: ----    Completed: ----
Phase II year
----
Phase II Amount
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