UDRI engineers fabricating a carbon fiber and epoxy composite for an industrial partner.
Design, fabrication, characterization and testing of polymers, polymer-matrix composites (PMC) and ceramic-matrix composites (CMC).
From synthesizing small experimental polymer samples, to developing nanomaterials or fabricating large composite aerostructures, UDRI can meet the needs of U.S. government and industrial sponsors. The polymer and composite team at UDRI has the experience, knowledge and equipment to tackle the most daunting challenges. We can work with basic materials all the way up to harder to process materials like aerospace composites, polyimides, PEI, PEEK/PEKK, SiC and carbon-carbon in unique projects.
UDRI personnel work on a wide range of polymer and composite projects from low temperature to high temperature applications. We perform simple one-off testing or fabrication, all the way up to more complex multi-year in-depth research programs. We can start at the design phase, move to fabrication and processing and then onto testing (mechanical, electrical, thermal, FST, etc.). We even occasionally do small-scale production in our autoclaves.
UDRI has the capability to move fast on projects. Along with multiple redundant pieces of key equipment, UDRI personal are cross-trained on equipment, processing techniques and testing so we’re always able to flex people to projects that need immediate attention.
Our customers include U.S. government organizations and industrial sponsors. We typically do work for the aerospace field but also do work in the automotive, medical, sporting goods and other markets that utilize polymers and composites.
Capabilities
- Polymer synthesis
- Polymer Processing-extruders, film lines and mixers.
- Composite design and FEA analysis including topology optimization for tailored fiber placement.
- Composite fabrication-autoclave, rapidclave, compression molding, long fiber injection, VARTM and more.
- Analysis Techniques-microscopy (optical and SEM), TGA, DSC, DMA, TMA, FTIR, UV-VIS, rheometer, cahn balance, raman, pin-on-disk, pycnometer, thermal conductivity, electrical properties, x-ray and more.
- Nanomaterial synthesis, design, fabrication and testing. Carbon nanotube experts.
- Nanomaterials incorporated into polymers and composites.
- Mechanical Testing-along with standard static and fatigue tests, we can handle unique requests/setups.
- Fire, smoke and toxicity design, fabrication and testing of polymers and composites.
Testing Standards
- We have the capability to meet many processing specifications and we can test to hundreds of standards with our equipment. Please reach out to discuss specifics.