Original Date: 11/03/1996
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) maintains the expertise and resources to research, develop, document, and manufacture new composite technologies that could be integrated and used by the composite industry. In addition, test and analysis capabilities are readily available for characterizing state-of-the-art composite material. As the leading authority for composite technology, ORNL’s Composites Manufacturing Technology Center predicts material property behavior by correlating data with manufacturing processes. By coupling benchmarked design and analysis tools with material property databases and manufacturing processes, the Center produces composites with predictable quality and performance.

Through available resources, the Composites Manufacturing Technology Center developed and demonstrated prototype composite component structures. Composite evaluations include the validation and identification of mechanical properties, physical properties, and fatigue behavior. The composite components are also subjected to life-cycle stresses and non-destructive testing.

Through extensive research, the Center demonstrated that the electron beam (EB) curing process as a non-thermal means for curing (cross linking) polymeric materials within seconds. Conventional means of using resin and catalysts require hours for curing. Besides reduced curing time, the EB process improves part quality and performance; reduces environmental, safety, and health (ES&H) concerns; and yields a cost savings of 25% to 50%.

The Composites Manufacturing Technology Center also provides composite manufacturing education and hands-on training. By capitalizing on this opportunity, companies can expand their composite manufacturing capabilities.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.