NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : Evaluation of Barrier Coatings that minimize hygroscopic change of ultra high modulus carbon reinforced cyanate ester resins

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A selected ultra high modulus carbon filament reinforced cyanate ester resin composite will be the base material for testing of hygroscopic masking by organic and inorganic coatings. The candidate coating will be applied to the exterior surface of the cyanate ester composite and be subjected to a series of tests to determine the quality of hygroscopic masking.

Coefficient of moisture expansion issues, to date, limit the use of carbon reinforced cyanate ester resins in the manufacture of electronic dimensionally stable structures; i.e., optical benches, metering structures and mirror substrates as well as components in the sub 0.001" accuracy range. Should this investigation yield coating materials that provide CME stability beyond existing ranges, both the aforementioned stable structures applications and electronic packaging would benefit. The electronic packaging industry could design and manufacture equipment and environments that enable it to achieve manufacturing tolerances beyond that already achievable thus providing further weight and size reduction in their products. The impact to space, military, and commercial science projects, will be significant as well.

FRANK LARY
COMPOSITE OPTICS, INCORPORATED
9617 DISTRIBUTION AVENUE
SAN DIEGO, CA 92121

COMPOSITE OPTICS, INCORPORATED
9617 DISTRIBUTION AVENUE
SAN DIEGO, CA 92121