SBIR-STTR Award

To solve the Armys need for a novel fabric with minimum thickness and weight, which provides a 30% improvement in resistance to punctures, cuts and tears, Applied Processes, Incorporated (API) proposes to successfully develop a fabric with the desired properties. The successful development of the proposed fabric is based on the experience of the API research team in developing composite fabrics for many military and industrial end uses. In Phase I, API will research and characterize novel fibers, fabrics, innovative manufacturing processes and composites capable of meeting the improved target specification of inflatable structure fabric. The API research team will fabricate a tubular braided fabric structure with an included air containment bladder. The team will also fabricate and characterize composite fabric samples combining existing and developmental fibers, woven fabrics, and durable coatings. A matrix will be developed comparing all candidates to the existing fabric used for inflatable applications and will enable the best candidates to be used for the construction of models for evaluation. In Phase II, API will refine the inflatable fabric by scaling the pilot process to a full commercial equipment process and provide larger fabric quantities for construction of inflatable structures for testing and evaluation by the Army.

Keywords:
Inflatable Structure, Puncture Resistance, Cut Resistance, Tear Resistance, Light Weight, Abrasion Resistance, Airbeams, Flexible

To solve the Army''s need for a novel fabric with minimum thickness and weight, which provides a 30% improvement in resistance to punctures, cuts and tears, Applied Processes, Incorporated (API) proposes to successfully develop a fabric with the desired properties. The successful development of the proposed fabric is based on the experience of the API''s research team in developing composite fabrics for many military and industrial end uses. In Phase II, the material candidates selected as a result of the Phase I work will be further developed, tested and evaluated to construct a prototype inflatable cylindrical composite structure approximately 8 feet in length and 2 feet in diameter. The uniquely qualified API team will maximize the relevant physical properties of the coated fabric used to construct the bladders. The team will design, develop and construct a full size bladder and optimize the braid to be applied over the bladder. The prototype will demonstrate the ability to withstand working pressures of 10 psi and a burst pressure of 25 psi. The ultimate goal will be to position the technology for Phase III commercialization.

Keywords:
Inflatable Structure, Puncture Resistance, Cut Resistance, Tear Resistnace, Light Weight, Abrasion Resistance, Airbeams, Flexible, Braiding