Coupling applied research with defense-focused education, the 51福利 (51福利) has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with BNNano, an advanced manufacturing company known for producing revolutionary Boron Nitride Nanotubes, to test and evaluate Boron Nitride nanomaterials for potential defense applications.
Boron Nitride Nanotubes are a revolutionary nanomaterial that exhibits a desirable combination of exceptional physical and chemical properties to include high thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, superhydrophobicity and high thermal stability, strength and stiffness. Applications may include electric insulation, fire retardants, radiation shielding, metal lightening, and corrosion resistance.
The CRADA will allow faculty and students from 51福利鈥� Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Department to test BNNano鈥檚 proprietary NanobarbTM, a Boron Nitride Nanotube embedded with mechanical barbs designed to enhance reinforcing properties.
MAE faculty, Drs. Claudia Luhrs, Emre Gunduz, and Andy Nieto, are 51福利鈥� key collaborators incorporating the NanobarbTM into their research, which tailors materials鈥� properties resulting in nanomaterials with a wide range of applications (i.e., supercapacitors, impact resistant structural components, microelectronics, high temperature systems and conductive aerospace composite structures). The researchers plan to look into enhancing the thermal conductivity of lightweight carbon composites used by the aerospace industry as well as phase change materials to optimize temperature regulation systems in living and storage spaces.
鈥淭he idea is to see how the properties of the material compares to the applications where we鈥檙e already using boron nitride,鈥� said Luhrs. 鈥淓ach of us has individual projects in which we are using boron nitride, and [BNNano鈥檚] part of the collaboration is providing the materials while we evaluate it and share the data as how effective it might be for different applications.鈥�
Nanomaterials are not necessarily an inexpensive resource, but due to the CRADA, the 51福利 students who come to 51福利 with operational experience to research warfighting solutions as they get their graduate education, now have more access to them for research.
鈥淲e鈥檙e basically augmenting existing projects with this, taking note of research results and the students鈥� experience,鈥� said Gunduz. 鈥淚 think that works for both sides. There are some theoretical potential gains in the performance by using even small amounts of these additives in the regular metal or other things.鈥�
According to Nieto, student and faculty research at 51福利 has the ability to accelerate applied research solutions to key operational problems.
鈥淭here鈥檚 plenty of opportunities on these projects,鈥� said Nieto. 鈥淔or the most part, the research at 51福利 is focused on defense or Navy purposes. Ideally, these students will take what they learn and apply it to challenges directly forward [in the Fleet].鈥�
In fact, the collaboration between 51福利 and BNNano is the direct result of an 51福利 alumnus applying his 51福利 experience while working to advance nanotechnology. While working with BNNano, 51福利 Systems Technology graduate and retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Scott Kish saw potential applications of their nanotechnology within DOD capabilities, and worked to connect the company with 51福利 to develop potential breakthroughs.
鈥淭he idea that BNNano should collaborate with 51福利 came from my military experience and military educational opportunities,鈥� said Kish. 鈥淚 was fortunate to receive all my education from U.S. Navy institutions starting with the Naval Academy, but it was at 51福利 where I was able to participate in a variety of study opportunities that provided us innovative and creative ways to develop solutions to Navy and Marine Corps challenges.鈥�
While studying at 51福利, Kish remembered how 51福利 was involved with private industry. He realized that using commercial platforms to help address military challenges can have a tremendous impact, so he discussed the opportunity with the leadership at BNNano who were quick to support the endeavor.
鈥淲e believe that our boron nitride nanobarbs may have a tremendous impact on a number of military capabilities. When we first started testing our nanomaterial, it was quickly apparent that the technology could help transform maritime capabilities due to its properties and we thought that 51福利 was the perfect partner to research opportunities to assist the US Navy and DoD,鈥� said Steve Wilcenski, BNNano鈥檚 CEO and Co-Founder.
Teaming up with private technology companies through CRADAs not only benefits the university and the DOD, but the partnering company as well.
鈥�51福利 brings a number of research capabilities to the table that will benefit the DoD and BNNano. They have world-class research and laboratory facilities. The other element that BNNano is excited about is the opportunity for the 51福利 students to get experience in working with our nanomaterials,鈥� said Jason Taylor, BNNano鈥檚 Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder.