NASA STTR 2011 Solicitation

SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN (SBC):		RESEARCH INSTITUTION (RI):
NAME:	Gordon Nelson and Associates	NAME:	Florida Institute of Technology
STREET:	2283 Hamlet Drive	STREET:	150 W. University Blvd.
CITY:	Melbourne	CITY:	Melbourne
STATE/ZIP:	FL  32934 - 7609	STATE/ZIP:	FL  32901 - 6975
PHONE:	(321) 255-1163	PHONE:	(321) 674-7239

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)
Feng Yang
fyang@fit.edu
150 W. University Blvd
Melbourne, FL 32901 - 6975
(321) 674-7290

Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at beginning and end of contract:
Begin: 5
End: 7

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words)
Project involves development of new flexible FR polyurethane (PU)insulation foams through a non-toxic environmentally friendly composite approach. Foams have bound-in polymeric phosphonate FRs, with added synergists and smoke suppressants. Such foams will not leach FR. Foams have fine cell structure and excellent flexible foam properties.

Cone performance of the identified foam family (368 peak rate of heat release versus 1670 control - 78% reduction in PHRR) clearly surpasses that of standard commercial flexible PU foams: 502 to 913 for CAL 133 compliant foams, 953 for BS5852 compliant foam, and 1154 for CAL 117 compliant PU foam. Project foams easily comply with NASA 6001 open flame testing. Foams with under 3.0 pcf are available. Procedures for incorporation of significant Aerogel concentrations (5 pbw to 15 pbw), useful for cryogenic and low temperature insulation, have been identified and tested. Results are based on over 200 foams made in small scale and 100 foams prepared as 5L molded foams.

Phase II of Project involves scale-up of foams in the foam family, preparation of intermediate scale samples capable of more detailed application testing, performing such testing (Eg. cryogenic insulation testing), and sampling of foams to potential customers identified by the project expert Commercialization Panel. In working with foam vendors on intermediate scale sample preparation, potential commercial partners will be identified and assessed. Large scale runs are also planned. Potential commercial partners will have the opportunity to gain experience with the foams in intermediate scale sample preparation. Selected partners will have the opportunity to share their experience with the Commercialization Panel to focus on highest value applications and needed performance. Such interaction will lead to partnering, licensing and joint venture discussions.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)
Cost effective Flexible Polyurethane foams for:

Cryogenic insulation
Fireproofing
Energy absorption
Other aerospace applications

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)
High performance applications identified and prioritized by expert Commercialization Panel, applications which require FR properties, performance, and can bear value pricing:

Packaging foam (US Navy)(wide range of specific applications)
Radio frequency absorber (electronic industry and at airports)
Industrial insulation (where flexibility needed)
Acoustic insulation for recording studios/night clubs (exposed/no coating)
Industrial insulation (where flexibility needed)
Appliance insulation
Prison mattresses
Naval mattresses
CAL 133 furniture (Kevlar cover/FR foam)
Cruise boats/maritime industry
Automotive headliners
Children's mattresses
Intra- and inter-city train seating (FRA rules)
Children's toys
Automotive firewalls
Aircraft seating
BS 5852 Furniture

All of above also in Canadian, Asian, and European markets

TECHNOLOGY TAXONOMY MAPPING (NASA's technology taxonomy has been developed by the SBIR-STTR program to disseminate awareness of proposed and awarded R/R&D in the agency. It is a listing of over 100 technologies, sorted into broad categories, of interest to NASA.)

Aerogels Composites Polymers Smart/Multifunctional Materials