Bringing in the Reinforcements

About this technology

Overview

WebCore Technologies utilized Glenn Research Center's Ballistic Impact Facility to develop and commercialize its fiber-reinforced foam technology known as TYCOR.R The foam composite is WebCore Technologies' answer for a lightweight, low-cost sandwich panel that offers superior structural performance to aerospace, defense, construction, transportation, marine, and industrial markets. TYCOR consists of a foam core that is covered with fabric skins and then stitched with reinforcing fibers. When the skins and fibers are impregnated with resin, the result is a very strong, damage-resistant composite system. The key features of TYCOR include high-shear strength and stiffness, and high-tensile pullout strength coupled with excellent damage tolerance. The technology is now a part of bridges and lightweight airfield matting systems being developed to replace aluminum matting currently used in temporary runways, taxiways, aircraft parking areas, and other surfacing applications. WebCore Technologies is even exploring the possibility of replacing traditional manhole covers with fiber-reinforced covers that could better handle load-bearing vehicles.