SBIR-STTR Award

Reactive Nanocomposite Materials for Enhanced Lethality Kinetic Warheads
Award last edited on: 6/5/2023

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : MDA
Total Award Amount
$3,382,255
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
MDA15-004
Principal Investigator
Phillip Martellaro

Company Information

Reactive Metals International Inc (AKA: RMII~Mach 1)

340 East Church Road
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
   (610) 279-2340
   bernie@machichemicals.com
   www.machichemicals.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 04
County: Montgomery

Phase I

Contract Number: HQ0147-16-C-7560
Start Date: 12/18/2015    Completed: 12/20/2016
Phase I year
2016
Phase I Amount
$139,520
This effort is aimed at increasing lethality of kinetic energy warheads by developing metal-based reactive materials. Fully-dense nanocomposite powders capable of reacting in absence of an external oxidizer will be prepared by arrested reactive milling. AlMoO3, AlCuO, AlI2O5, MgS, and BTi will be prepared and combined with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to boost their energy density. Prepared powders will be consolidated into pellets using aluminum flakes as a binder. The pellets will be ignited in absence of external oxidizer by impact using a unique Pneumatic Impact Testing Apparatus available at Reactive Metals International, Inc. Combustion of the impact-initiated samples will be monitored using a high-speed pressure transducer and an optical sensor. Ignition of the prepared powders by electro-static discharge will be studied and dynamics of combustion events will be compared for the same materials initiated using different techniques. Materials to be designed, prepared, and tested in this effort have the potential of forming structurally sound mechanical parts and components, while rapidly releasing significant energy upon impact initiation. (Approved for Public Release 15-MDA-8482 (17 November 15))

Phase II

Contract Number: HQ0147-17-C-7423
Start Date: 8/17/2017    Completed: 3/31/2021
Phase II year
2017
(last award dollars: 2021)
Phase II Amount
$3,242,735

This effort is aimed to increase lethality of kinetic energy warheads by developing metal-based materials with densities in the range of 1-10g/cm3, burning with temperatures in excess of 4000K, generating chemical energy reaching 2kcal/g, while releasing the energy with 10-500us upon impact initiation. Approved for Public Release | 16-MDA-8951 (15 December 16) ---------- Reactive Nanocomposite Materials (RNM) were designed to enhance the Lethality of Kinetic Warheads. RNM fragments were launched into a range of targets in a chamber calorimeter using a light gas gun. The RNM fragments can be tuned for impact sensitivity, penetrating ability, gas production and overall energy release through composition, processing and consolidation based on the intended target and the kill vehicle delivery system. RMII will conduct impact ignition testing focused on collecting high fidelity ballistic data for hydrocode validation. Approved for Public Release |21-MDA-10789 (21 Apr 21)