Self-Healing Non-Catalytic Multifunctional Composite Structure Navy STTR FY2010.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2010.A Topic No.: N10A-T007 Topic Title: Self-Healing Non-Catalytic Multifunctional Composite Structure Proposal No.: N10A-007-0461 Firm: Texas High Energy Materials 13012 Appaloosa Chase Drive Austin, Texas 78732 Contact: Aureliano Perez Phone: (512) 670-6182 Abstract: Areas of research relating to self-healing composites structures have been undertaken by well-known and respected institutions under the auspices of the Department of Defense. Patent literature and public technical communiqu� describe their novel engineering approaches using microencapsulated systems that release polymeric healing agents through suitable mechanisms. While these approaches have merit, the choices of polymer materials used in this design are limited. Our unique expertise has allowed us to correctly identify reaction kinetics and manufacturing processes that presently restrict the use of eminently more suitable polymer systems for this application. We propose revolutionary treatments of encapsulant shells and core healing agents. A team of polymer chemists and polymer engineers, coupled with commercial micro-encapsulation experts, will conduct novel monomer, co-monomer and prepolymer syntheses, and introduce polymer engineering processes that will enable the long-awaited employment of compounds which, to date, have not been successfully encapsulated. Our insight into aspects of physical polymer chemistry, chemical synthesis, and polymer engineering principals will allowed us to implement and develop our novel concept to circumvent long-standing challenges. We will prove feasibility and practicality of our approach, and use those results to introduce a new process and new materials to the microencapsulation and composite industries. Benefits: The introduction of long-anticipated materials to the microencapsulation and composite industries will have immediate performance and cost benefits to DoD, automotive, aerospace, marine and general industrial markets. The ability to arrest micro and macro cracks in composite structures will greatly extend the service life of these specialty articles. In addition, an added level of safety will be introduced in structures that cannot compromise performance. A substantial cost benefit will be apportioned through extend service life and reduced maintenance cycles of composite structures utilizing this novel technology. Return