Helping Aircraft Engines Lighten Up

About this technology

Overview

The Polymers Branch at NASA's Glenn Research Center develops high-temperature polyimide/carbon fiber matrix composites. These materials can withstand high temperatures and have good processing properties, which make them particularly useful for jet and rocket engines. Applying polyimide composites as components for aerospace structures can lead to substantial vehicle weight reductions. Glenn awarded Maverick Corporation a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to develop a family of nontoxic, high-temperature polyimide resins. The company developed polyimides that exhibit high glass transition temperatures and excellent thermal oxidative stability for aircraft applications. Maverick commercialized the polyimides for high-temperature Resin Transfer Molding, a low-cost manufacturing process commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries. The company also licensed a bundle package of four Glenn-developed polymer technologies. Maverick's product line of affordable, low-toxicity polyimide resins offers high-temperature performance and processing versatility and benefits aircraft engine and airframe applications. Since the resins can reduce the cost and weight of aerospace structures, they will help NASA with the development of future space vehicles.