technologyscanning

Issue 1November 2001

Coatings, Chemicals, andCoatings, Chemicals, andCoatings, Chemicals, andCoatings, Chemicals, andCoatings, Chemicals, andIngredient MaterialsIngredient MaterialsIngredient MaterialsIngredient MaterialsIngredient Materials

These material technologies havebeen developed by large global materialsresearch companies to be sold into anumber of applications such as coatings,chemical additives, and ingredients. Theyhave specific engineered properties thatwhen combined with other materials,provide a desired engineered outcome.

DuPont TDuPont TDuPont TDuPont TDuPont Tefzelefzelefzelefzelefzel

This ingredient material isengineered to have durable, wear-resistant characteristics. It is used today asa protective coating for Uni-Solar shinglesand standing-seam metal roofing. Theroofing products are wear-resistant,durable, and weatherable. This ingredientmaterial has other potential applicationsin construction products, where thedesired outcome is durability and wearresistance (siding, decking, flooring, andother surface products).Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:DuPontTechnology Transfer OfficePhone: 877-881-9787www.dupont.com/teflon/films/next-gen.html

DuPont ImRon CoatingDuPont ImRon CoatingDuPont ImRon CoatingDuPont ImRon CoatingDuPont ImRon Coating

This DuPont coating comes from ahistory of coating innovation. It is toutedto out-weather other industrial paints. Ithas superior abrasion resistance.Currently, it’s used in heavy equipmentmanufacturing for equipment that seesharsh conditions on a daily basis. It hassignificantly reduced maintenance costsfor those users of heavy equipment.Applications in housing could includepaints and stains, along with coatings ona variety of exterior components.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:DuPontTechnology Transfer OfficePhone: 877-881-9787www.dupont.com/finishes/na/000401.html

Self-Placing Concrete (MelFlow)Self-Placing Concrete (MelFlow)Self-Placing Concrete (MelFlow)Self-Placing Concrete (MelFlow)Self-Placing Concrete (MelFlow)

This formulation of ingredients forconcrete reduces the amount of waterused, optimizes water/cement ratio,increases strength and durability, andreduces mixing time by 30 to 40 percent.It is self-compatible and self-consolidating. It requires no tamping orvibrating, and it provides density withoutsegregation. It is being developed for theKorean and Asian building industries.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Meca Engineering Ltd3rd Kumho Bldg 123-25Karrak-Dong Songpa- KuSeoul, KoreaPhone: +82-2-443-3497www.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/flowconc.htm

Highly Durable, EnvironmentallyHighly Durable, EnvironmentallyHighly Durable, EnvironmentallyHighly Durable, EnvironmentallyHighly Durable, EnvironmentallyFriendly PaintFriendly PaintFriendly PaintFriendly PaintFriendly Paint

The Army Research Lab (ARL) haspatented coating technology available fortransfer that is highly weatherable anddurable. It is flexible at ambient andsubzero temperatures, mar-resistant, andcorrosion chemical agent resistant. Thiswater-dispersible coating can be appliedwith standard spray equipment and lowVOCs. The technology may have paintand finish applications in the housingindustry.

Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:John EscarsegaCoatings Technology TeamMichael Ruasa Technology TransferPhone: 410-278-5028Email: jescarse@arl.army.mil

Technology Scanning

One of PATH’s major research supportservices is PATH Technology Scanning.Technology Scanning tells us abouttechnology developments in otherindustries, from other nations, from federallaboratories, and from other buildingsectors. PATH looks for breakthroughs inother industries that could be transferredand applied to housing. TechnologyScanning–published by the U.S.Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment/PATH and prepared by theNAHB Research Center, Inc.–are updated astechnology developments dictate. TheResearch Center works to unite technologydevelopers from outside of residentialconstruction with manufacturers in theresidential housing sector.

This issue of Technology Scanning isone in a series. Each issue in the series fallsinto one of the following categories:• Design and Internet Tools• Safety• Surfaces and Interior Finishes• Building Envelope Technologies• Electrical• Plumbing• Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning• Energy/Power Systems Generation• Basic Materials• Information Technology• Sustainable Design Strategies• Materials Recycling and Reuse• Thermal and Moisture Protection• Indoor Environmental Quality

Call the ToolBase Hotline at800-898-2842 for information about otheravailable Technology Scanning issues. Or,log onto pathnet.org and www.toolbase.org.

451 7th Street, SWWashington, DC 20410Email: pathnet@pathnet.org

Basic Materials

The Basic Materials categoryThe Basic Materials categoryThe Basic Materials categoryThe Basic Materials categoryThe Basic Materials categoryoutlines technology in coatings,outlines technology in coatings,outlines technology in coatings,outlines technology in coatings,outlines technology in coatings,chemicals, or ingredients thatchemicals, or ingredients thatchemicals, or ingredients thatchemicals, or ingredients thatchemicals, or ingredients thatimprove durability and longevity;improve durability and longevity;improve durability and longevity;improve durability and longevity;improve durability and longevity;composite materials; advancedcomposite materials; advancedcomposite materials; advancedcomposite materials; advancedcomposite materials; advancedmultipurpose materials; andmultipurpose materials; andmultipurpose materials; andmultipurpose materials; andmultipurpose materials; andstructural or strength materials.structural or strength materials.structural or strength materials.structural or strength materials.structural or strength materials.These technologies, many of whichThese technologies, many of whichThese technologies, many of whichThese technologies, many of whichThese technologies, many of whichoriginated at basic research levels inoriginated at basic research levels inoriginated at basic research levels inoriginated at basic research levels inoriginated at basic research levels inuniversities or national labs, holduniversities or national labs, holduniversities or national labs, holduniversities or national labs, holduniversities or national labs, holdpromise for a variety ofpromise for a variety ofpromise for a variety ofpromise for a variety ofpromise for a variety ofconstruction applications.construction applications.construction applications.construction applications.construction applications.

Durable, TDurable, TDurable, TDurable, TDurable, Tough, No-Slip Coatingough, No-Slip Coatingough, No-Slip Coatingough, No-Slip Coatingough, No-Slip Coating

From the after-market and OEMtruck industry, bed liner material, whichis applied by spray or roller, can be lookedat for a weatherable, durable, and slip-resistant surface for almost any substrate.TUFF STUFF, one brand of coating, canbe applied to almost any metal, wood, orconcrete surface. One can create varioustextures and colors with additives. It hasbeen proven for 15 years in the truck bedliner market. This coating could haveapplication in roofing for homes or othercoatings needing weatherable, durableproperties. If applied in roofing, it couldspeed up the time to finish a roof and be asafer means to finish the roof for theworker.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Rhino LiningsSan Diego, CAPhone: 619-450-0041www.rhinolinings.com

Concrete Corrosion SolutionsConcrete Corrosion SolutionsConcrete Corrosion SolutionsConcrete Corrosion SolutionsConcrete Corrosion Solutions

This technology uses electricaltreatment combined with a chemicalprocess to fight destruction of concretestructures from salt air, moisture, andbaking sun. It was developed by NASA’sKennedy Space Center research scientistsfor the protection of all of NASA’s concretestructures, buildings, and miles ofrunways and launch pads in Florida, theTexas Gulf, and Alabama. The process,called electromigration, sends corrosion-inhibiting ions to the rebar or steel withina slab or structure. Surtreat’s proprietarychemical protection is applied to thesurface and seeps into the concrete to therebar to prevent further corrosion. Itcorrects the chemical imbalance that cancause the rebar to corrode.

Concrete loses its pH or acidity levelover time. New poured concrete hasvalues of 11,12, or 13, and these highvalues help to inhibit corrosion. Asconcrete naturally ages and is exposed tomore UV, the pH values drop. When itreach levels in the 8-9 range, concretebecomes susceptible to quickerdeterioration. That’s why bridges,buildings, roadways, driveways, patios,and sidewalks deteriorate more rapidlyafter they reach a certain age. NASAanticipates saving significant time andmoney over traditional repair methodsthat are shorter lived.

Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Malcolm WebsterTechnology LiaisonNational Technology Transfer Center316 Washington AvenueWheeling, WV 26003Phone: 304-243-2543Email: mwebster@nttc.eduwww.nttc.eduwww.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/surtreat.htm

Composites and Coatings ConsortiumComposites and Coatings ConsortiumComposites and Coatings ConsortiumComposites and Coatings ConsortiumComposites and Coatings Consortium

This group has developed AdvancedCoating deposition technology that canefficiently deposit thin films or sputtercoats of durable coatings on a variety ofmaterials. This consortium has alsodeveloped affordable, high-wear, highheat-resistant ceramic composites.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Great Lakes Industrial Technology CenterJohn Glenn Research CenterCleveland, OHPhone: 216-898-6426

Moisture-Resistant CoatingsMoisture-Resistant CoatingsMoisture-Resistant CoatingsMoisture-Resistant CoatingsMoisture-Resistant Coatings

This NASA-developed coating forceramics makes the coatings 1,000 timesmore durable. The moisture-resistantcoating made from specially treatedboron nitride extends the shelf life ofcomposite materials. It can also beapplied by chemical vapor deposition tomany substrates where durability andprotection from heat, moisture, and otherelements are desirable. The process andcoating, developed for NASA by AdvancedCeramics Corp, Cleveland, OH, opens upnew opportunities for more durablematerials and composites in allindustries.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Malcolm WebsterTechnology LiaisonNational Technology Transfer Center316 Washington AvenueWheeling, WV 26003Phone: 304-243-2543Email: mwebster@nttc.eduwww.nttc.edu

New Acrylic Roof CoatingNew Acrylic Roof CoatingNew Acrylic Roof CoatingNew Acrylic Roof CoatingNew Acrylic Roof Coating

Vanberg Coatings, introduced to thedairy industry, is a new acrylic roofcoating that is a monolithic membraneproviding a durable, water-tight surfaceover concrete, wood, or metal roofs. Itwithstands UV light, temperatureextremes, mildew, etc.

Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Vanberg CoatingsLenexa, KSPhone: 800-874-0631Email: vscoat@qni.comwww.vanbergcoatings.com

Durable New Metal CoatingDurable New Metal CoatingDurable New Metal CoatingDurable New Metal CoatingDurable New Metal Coating

Cleary Building Corp, Verona, WI,introduced a breakthrough in paintedmetal panels to the dairy industry formetal outbuildings. Alurite 2000Pluscoating system is a durable enhancementwhich allows for a 35-year warranty onpainted metal panels for roofs, sidewalls,etc.–an industry first. This coating couldbe looked at for other buildingcomponent durability enhancements inresidential building products.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Cleary Building CorporationVerona, WIPhone: 608-845-9700www.Clearybuilding.com

Biocide Coating AdditivesBiocide Coating AdditivesBiocide Coating AdditivesBiocide Coating AdditivesBiocide Coating Additives

This coating additive controls moldor mildew cost effectively for interior orexterior coatings. Mergal S90 isformulated for roofing products, sealants,and architectural coatings. Troy biocidesare environmentally sound, durable, andlong lasting.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Troy Corp.,Florham Park,NJPhone: 973-443-4200www.troycorp.com

Duration High-PerformanceDuration High-PerformanceDuration High-PerformanceDuration High-PerformanceDuration High-PerformanceExterior CoatingExterior CoatingExterior CoatingExterior CoatingExterior Coating

Sherwin-Williams, in addition toshowing its low odor paints launched lastyear, exhibited another new coating at theInternational Coatings 2001 Expo, calledDuration high performance exteriorcoating. The company offers a lifetimewarranty for a single coat properlyapplied on exterior walls. This coating isbased on modified acrylic that adhereswell, is flexible, and protects againstcracks and chips.

Another brand new developmentlaunched this year makes coatings thatdry on substrates as cool as 35 degreesFarenheit, which extends the paintingseason well into the fall and wintermonths in many parts of the country.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Sherwin-Williamswww.sherwin-williams.com/dig/newsolutions/duration.asp

Coatings, Chemicals,Coatings, Chemicals,Coatings, Chemicals,Coatings, Chemicals,Coatings, Chemicals,and Ingredientand Ingredientand Ingredientand Ingredientand IngredientMaterials, Materials, Materials, Materials, Materials, continued

Composite/Fiber StructuralComposite/Fiber StructuralComposite/Fiber StructuralComposite/Fiber StructuralComposite/Fiber StructuralMaterials and ApplicationsMaterials and ApplicationsMaterials and ApplicationsMaterials and ApplicationsMaterials and Applications

Composite material and processtechnologies are among the fastestgrowing new material applications.Composites are combinations of materialsand resins that orient fibers, mats, ormatrix structures in the desired area anddirection to take advantage of theirindividual properties. Composites areusually stronger and lighter in weightthan the materials they replace. Currentlythe automotive industry is the biggestuser of new applications. Theconstruction industry is emerging as thenext big target for the compositesindustry. As applications expand,processes improve for volumeapplications, and the volume ofcomposites increase. The raw materialsand finished part costs will continue theirdownward trend. New configurations andmaterials are also emerging, namelyceramics and carbon fiber technology.

Affordable FiberAffordable FiberAffordable FiberAffordable FiberAffordable Fiber-Reinforced-Reinforced-Reinforced-Reinforced-ReinforcedCeramic CompositesCeramic CompositesCeramic CompositesCeramic CompositesCeramic Composites

This consortium has developedaffordable, high-wear, high heat-resistantceramic composites. Developed for thedefense and aerospace industries, thesetechnologies are finding their way intomany civilian applications through thefederal government’s Technology TransferCenters.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Great Lakes Industrial Technology CenterJohn Glenn Research CenterCleveland, OHPhone: 216-433-4000

Owens Corning Composite SystemsOwens Corning Composite SystemsOwens Corning Composite SystemsOwens Corning Composite SystemsOwens Corning Composite Systems

At the Composites 2001 Show,Owens Corning displayed its latest venturewith a tier-one automotive supplier–acomplete composite truck bed assemblyfor Ford. It incorporates a composite bed,fenders, and sidewalls in one componentready to assemble to a truck frame. Iteliminated multiple metal and steelcomponents; it increased durability; itreduced weight; and it improved fuelefficiency. This is a good example ofsystems integration. Owens Corning, acurrent building industry supplier, couldexplore this approach for components inhouses (i.e., walls, floors, roof panels),taking more of a component/systemsapproach vs. parts and pieces.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Owens Corning World HeadquartersPhone: 800-438-7465www.owenscorning.com/composites

Plastic Silica Composite TPlastic Silica Composite TPlastic Silica Composite TPlastic Silica Composite TPlastic Silica Composite Tougherougherougherougherougherthan FRPthan FRPthan FRPthan FRPthan FRP

Ohio State University scientists havepatented a method of mixing plastic withsilica to create a heat-resistant materialfive times more impact resistant thanfiber reinforced plastic (FRP). Thepatented manufacturing process forcesmelted plastic into the pores of silica,thereby creating a stronger bond. It canbe used as a lightweight substitute foriron, steel, or aluminum. The process wasfirst developed for making tough plasticdental fillings for the medical industry.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:John LanuttiOhio State UniversityPhone: 614-292-3926Email: lanutti.1@osu.eduwww.acs.ohio-state.edu/units/research/archive/tufplast.htm

ParaBeam 3D Glass FabricsParaBeam 3D Glass FabricsParaBeam 3D Glass FabricsParaBeam 3D Glass FabricsParaBeam 3D Glass Fabrics

At the Composites 2001 Show, aDutch firm demonstrated cutting-edgetechnology to make impregnated,lightweight sandwich panels and skinsfrom glass fabrics. Panels or skins are anideal basis for easy finishing with otherlaminates or foils. Foam cores can beintegrated for thermal purposes.Properties include lightweight, excellentstrength and stiffness, full serviceadhesive properties, easy reparability, andcorrosion and water-resistance.Applications in Europe include storagetank walls, high-speed watercraft skins,truck and cargo floors, train and busexteriors, building cladding, and interiorpartitions. Ideal applications in thehousing industry could include buildingpanels and skins, and floor and roofpanels.

Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:ParaBeam, the NetherlandsPhone: +31(0) 492-570625Fax: +31(0) 492-570733Email: derek.bolianatz@parabeam.comwww.composite.about.com/library/PR/2001/blparabeam1.htm

Reinforced Cores at Lower CostsReinforced Cores at Lower CostsReinforced Cores at Lower CostsReinforced Cores at Lower CostsReinforced Cores at Lower Costs

Webcore Technologies of Dayton,Ohio, claim their Tycor fiber-reinforcedfoam cores are a low-cost solution forcomposite sandwich. The process usesglass or carbon fibers to build a 3D weband lattice structure within low-densityfoam. Both skin faces are mechanicallystitched together through the core. Thefiber structure allows for quick resin flowand uniform wet-out. Cores and panelsare being developed for commercialindustries (aviation, marine, truck, andcivil engineering). Applications inconstruction could include buildingpanels, and structural components thatcombine thermal, structural, and surfaceproperties in one composite sandwichinstead of individual parts.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Lynn StanleyWebcore TechnologiesDayton, OHPhone: 937-879-3212www.compositecenter.org/press4_content.stm

Owens Corningcompletecompositetruck bedincorporates acomposite bed,fenders, andsidewalls in onecomponentready toassemble to atruck frame.

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Composite/FiberComposite/FiberComposite/FiberComposite/FiberComposite/FiberStructural MaterialsStructural MaterialsStructural MaterialsStructural MaterialsStructural Materialsand Applications,and Applications,and Applications,and Applications,and Applications,continued

Composolite FRP PanelsComposolite FRP PanelsComposolite FRP PanelsComposolite FRP PanelsComposolite FRP Panels

This is a new lightweight, highstrength, glass fiber reinforced polymermodular construction system. Usedextensively in Europe for over 10 years, itis produced by Strongwell in the U.S.Applications for housing include wallpanels, floor decking, and roof decking.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Phone: 540-645-8000Email: dfayler@strongwell.comwww.strongwell.com/PULT/pultrusion.htm

TTTTTougher Fiber/Cement Compositesougher Fiber/Cement Compositesougher Fiber/Cement Compositesougher Fiber/Cement Compositesougher Fiber/Cement Composites

This is a process technology toincrease bond strength and interfacetoughness of synthetic fibers. It is used inreinforcing cement-based composites.Application allows tailoring interfaceproperties of a given system to producecost effective, high performance, fiber-reinforced, cement-based composites(Patent issued) (File #1193). Thematerial, called Torex, optimizesgeometry of fiber reinforcement incement, ceramics, and polymericcomposites for lower cost (Patent issued)(File #1063).Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Mitch GoodkinUniversity of MichiganTechTransfer OfficeAnn Arbor, MIPhone: 734-764-4290Email: mgoodkin@umich.eduwww.umich.edu (search on “Torex”)

Low WLow WLow WLow WLow Weight Composite Sandwicheight Composite Sandwicheight Composite Sandwicheight Composite Sandwicheight Composite SandwichPromises High StrengthPromises High StrengthPromises High StrengthPromises High StrengthPromises High Strength

Moldite Technologies has developeda pultrudable reinforced plastic that canrival steel and aluminum in strength andstiffness at a tenth of the weight. Otherbenefits include impact resistance,mildew resistance, and fire resistance.Dave Peash, Chief Executive, seespotential applications in the automotive,marine, aerospace, and constructionindustries. Currently, they are testing thematerial formulation in plastic reusablepallets.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Dave Peash or Dave DemerstMoldite TechnologiesNovi, MIPhone: 1-810-296-8851www.link2semiconductor.com/articles/is032313.jsp

Composite Panel Structural MaterialComposite Panel Structural MaterialComposite Panel Structural MaterialComposite Panel Structural MaterialComposite Panel Structural Material

From the civil engineering industrycomes a technology called CompositeFiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridgedeck. The deck sections are lightweight,highly durable, strong, and rigid. Testbridge installations can be found in Ohio,Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.This technology could be applied in wallpanels, roof decks, floor, and deck panelsystems.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Robert Sweet, Jr.Creative Pultrusions, Inc214 Industrial LanePO Box 6Alum Bank, PA 15521-0006Phone: 814-839-4186www.creativepultrusions.com

Space Age Materials on EarthSpace Age Materials on EarthSpace Age Materials on EarthSpace Age Materials on EarthSpace Age Materials on Earth

Transfer of high tech compositestechnologies from aerospace has alwaysbeen relatively cost prohibitive. Withsimpler and more accessible productionprocesses, composites could reach broadermarkets faster and less expensively.

Quickstep Technologies of Australiahas developed an advanced massproduction process for high qualitycomposites. They are able to produce fiberreinforced plastics that are cheaper, withhigher strength, improved appearance,and reduced cure times. The solutioninvolves an innovative system employinglightweight rigid molds suspended in heattransfer liquids (water or oil). The liquidcirculates in a low-pressure environmentwith a flexible membrane maintainingconstant pressure and heat on the mold.The pressure and heat compact thelaminate and cure the component, whilevibration forces out trapped air and gases.Quickstep has set up a pilot plant to test amass production scalable effect.

Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Quickstep TechnologiesPhone: +61-8-9364-8270www.quickstep.com.au

Lower Cost Structural SubstituteLower Cost Structural SubstituteLower Cost Structural SubstituteLower Cost Structural SubstituteLower Cost Structural Substitute

Structural fiber reinforced plastics isa new material technology that could be asubstitute for traditional structuralmaterials like steel, concrete, masonry,and wood. It is low weight, high strength,with lower installed costs and lowermaintenance costs than traditionalstructural materials. The technology isbeing tested in Japan as concrete meshreinforcement; in highway bridges inCalgary, Canada; in a prototype compositebridge in Russell, Kansas; and in

pedestrian bridges in western U.S.National Parks. Upon verification of thebenefits and properties, other broadercomplex applications can be developedand tested.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Antonio NanniUniversity of Missouri-RollaCivil Engineering DepartmentRolla, MOPhone: 573-341-4000Email: nanni@umr.eduwww.rb2c.umr.edu

Carbon Fiber MatCarbon Fiber MatCarbon Fiber MatCarbon Fiber MatCarbon Fiber Mat

This technology creates moreopportunity for application of carbonfiber as a structural material incomposites. Several companies have nowperfected carbon fiber in mat or sheetform as reinforcement in composites,making it much easier to developproducts with superior strength, andlighter weight than traditional wood orsteel products. Previous carbon fiberforms of strands or fiber length wereapplication specific and limited in whatapplications could be developed.

This advancement greatly expandsthe opportunity to use carbon fiber instructural composites and plastics. Hereare several of the new materials:l Fortafil Fibers- Uniweb continuousfibers sheet and IsoWeb random choppedfiber mat;l OBS, Inc- Produces lightweightcarbon fiber yarn fabric for extremelythin, lightweight application;l Schappe Techniques- 100 percentcarbon fiber yarn and multi-axial fabric;andl Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics- BayMills Carbon Fabrics.

Currently applications have been inleisure and recreational products,industrial products, and aerospaceapplications. Carbon fiber fabrics andmats could be developed into compositewall systems, roof panels, floor panels toproduce high-strength, lightweight, easy-to-handle building panels. Carbon fibershave been added to Glulam beams toincrease the load bearing capacity by upto 100 percent.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:www.fortafil.comwww.sgbti.com (Saint Gobain)Dedicated search engines atwww.wwcomposites.com

Snap Joint TSnap Joint TSnap Joint TSnap Joint TSnap Joint Technology for Assemblingechnology for Assemblingechnology for Assemblingechnology for Assemblingechnology for AssemblingComposite StructuresComposite StructuresComposite StructuresComposite StructuresComposite Structures

Developed for aerospaceapplications and utility transmissiontowers, this technology allows compositesto be used in many applications with thebenefits of less weight, faster assembly,less labor, and less equipment. It is in useon DOT projects and transmission towersin California. It is proposed for assemblyof all composite rocket towers atVandenburg Air Force Base. Thistechnology has won industry awards andhas made the job of connectingcomposite applications simpler.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Dr. Clem HielW. Brandt Goldsworthy & AssociatesTorrance, CAPhone: 310-375-4565Email: clemhiel@aol.comwww.blackzendesign.com/contractwork/goldwebsite/product/mainprod.htm

Structural CeramicsStructural CeramicsStructural CeramicsStructural CeramicsStructural Ceramics

University of Pennsylvania,Department of Materials Science andEngineering, is doing work indeformation and fracture of structuralmaterials, chemistry and physics ofceramics, polymeric materials, andelectronic materials.

Surfaces and interfaces researchincludes: metal-ceramic interfaces,polymer-ceramic interfaces, carbon basedmaterials, and inter-metallic alloys.Synthesis and materials processingresearch provides the discipline that looksat materials (new or modified) to solve astanding industry problem or enableapplications of new materials into anindustry. Some of the specific projectswith potential for construction industryuse and application include:l Structural Ceramics—ProfessorI-Wei Chen developed two novel ceramicapplications, including a ceramic woodcombination;l Molecular Control of Adhesion—Professor Russell Composto; andl Interface of Structural Materials—Professor David Luzz.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Takeshi Egami Cahir, Department ofMaterials Science and EngineeringUniversity of PennsylvanniaPhiladelphia, PAUniversity of Penn TechnologyTransfer CenterPhone: 215-573-4500www.seas.upenn.edu/mse

Innovative Structural ModelingInnovative Structural ModelingInnovative Structural ModelingInnovative Structural ModelingInnovative Structural Modelingand Simulationand Simulationand Simulationand Simulationand Simulation

CSIR Boutek, a national agency andresearch arm in South Africa, aligns R&Dwith current and future needs in SouthAfrica, bringing the latest technology tobear on applied solutions. Among thematerials research is an assessment ofnew innovative structural applications(modeling and simulation, physicaltesting), and ceramics use andapplication in building products.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Theuns Knoetze, ProgrammerPhone: +27-12-841-4985Email: tknoetze@csir.co.zaNeo Moikangoa, Div. DirectorPhone: +27-12-841-3763Email: nmoikang@csir.co.za

Glass Reinforced Plastic WGlass Reinforced Plastic WGlass Reinforced Plastic WGlass Reinforced Plastic WGlass Reinforced Plastic Won’on’on’on’on’t Shattert Shattert Shattert Shattert Shatter

Glass reinforced plastic flat sheetdeveloped in the UK claims to be able towithstand the most violent of storms.

Called Meshlite Starlite, the glass panelscan withstand a 50 kg weight droppedfrom a height of 4m. It is designed to betougher than glass and lower in price. Itsmain uses include doors, windows, andskylights. It is currently being tested innuclear power plant applications whereshatter resistance is critical.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Meshlite, LtdPhone: +44-1691-652545www.meshlite.com

Flexible GlassFlexible GlassFlexible GlassFlexible GlassFlexible Glass

The Material Resources Group atthe Pacific NW National Laboratory isdeveloping flexible glass for the flat paneldisplay industry. It has the flexibility ofplastic and barrier protectionapproaching that of glass. Roll-upcomputer screens and other flexible walldisplays are possible. The process involvesdepositing multiple layers of organic andinorganic materials in stacks. The

Scintillating glass optical fibers are the first viable medium for large-area,solid-state, thermal neutron sensors that have applications in nationalsecurity, medicine, and materials research. Here, ultraviolet-inducedfluorescence mimics scintillation.

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stacking architecture allows each layer tohelp protect against defects in adjacentlayers (10 microns thick).

The results are glass-like clarity,impermeable, and durable, but flexibleand a lot like glass. Flexible glass couldhave application in doors and windows inthe future or incorporate the functions ofwindows and displays into one product.Windows could be simpler, lighter weight,and with fewer parts.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Gordon GraffHead ResearcherMaterials Resource GroupPacific NW National LaboratoryRichland, WAPam Harrington, Breakthroughs editorPhone: 509-375-4506Email: pamela.harrinton@pnl.gov

New Composite Material toNew Composite Material toNew Composite Material toNew Composite Material toNew Composite Material toReplace ConcreteReplace ConcreteReplace ConcreteReplace ConcreteReplace Concrete

Ductal® is a new compositebuilding material being developed jointlyby several European companies andLaFarge Corp of the U.S. LaFargeCorporation is one of North America’slargest suppliers of construction materialslike cement, gypsum, roofing, aggregates,and concrete. The new materialannounced at the World of Concrete2001is impermeable, non-corrosive,cementitious-like, containing choppedwollastinite and bronze fibers along withmineral fillers.

Carbon fiber can be added and thematerial adjusted for the differentproperties required. Ductal® can take anysurface texture and can be pigmented fora high quality surface finish. Ductal® isexpected to be lighter weight, less laborand machine intensive, and areplacement for conventional concretestructural parts. With strength similar tosteel and toughness equal to ceramics, itcan outperform steel and concrete. Thepurported cost savings come from fasterconstruction time generating labor andmaterial savings. Ductal® is pre-mixedand with the addition of water can runthrough existing concrete batchingequipment.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Andy RadlerVP & GM in charge of developmentLaFarge CorpHerndon,VAPhone: 703-480-3600www.lafargecorp.com

Advanced “Smart” MaterialsAdvanced “Smart” MaterialsAdvanced “Smart” MaterialsAdvanced “Smart” MaterialsAdvanced “Smart” Materials

A new generation of materials is inthe research phase at several nationallabs and universities. These materialsperform multiple functions, can beengineered to change function, and canbe embedded with other chip and coatingtechnology to make materials do what wewant and when we want on demand to setcriteria.

A Plastic that Heals ItselfA Plastic that Heals ItselfA Plastic that Heals ItselfA Plastic that Heals ItselfA Plastic that Heals Itself

The Washington Post reports on aself-healing plastic that uses high techmaterials and a low-tech concept inspiredby the human body. It has been developedfor use in repair of car bodies, surfboards,Defense Department applications, pole-vaulting, and cell phones. Work is alsobeing done on embedded sensors in thematerials that show weak or wear spots bychanging their color, so that the userknows fatigue of the material before itfails and causes harm or injury. Healingis site specific to the area fractured orcracked and is accomplished when newresin is self generated and formed aroundthe fissures or cracks.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Scott WhiteDepartment of Aeronautical andAstronautical EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPhone: 217-333-1017Email: swhite@uiuc.eduwww.ssm7.aae.uiuc.edu/self-healing

Flexible GlassFlexible GlassFlexible GlassFlexible GlassFlexible Glass,,,,,continued

New “Active” MaterialsNew “Active” MaterialsNew “Active” MaterialsNew “Active” MaterialsNew “Active” Materials

Funded by the Army ResearchOffice, with development at MIT, thistechnology utilizes electric voltage todirect material change into a desiredmechanical response (active fibercomposites). Materials with multiple,changeable functions can be engineeredto replace many materials with oneapplication. In the building industry,changeable glass is already being tested.Other applications include interior /exterior surfaces that adjust to conditionsor can be adjusted to fit pre-desiredconditions.Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Professor Yet-Ming ChiangMaterial Sciences at MITPhone: 617-253-6471Email: ychiang@mit.eduwww.mit.edu/ceramics/research.html

Material Can Change FunctionsMaterial Can Change FunctionsMaterial Can Change FunctionsMaterial Can Change FunctionsMaterial Can Change Functions

Graphite flakes and film, highlyreflective and silvery-black, areelectrically conductive and can be usedwherever appearance and conductivecoatings are important (high lusterpaints, surface coatings, conductiveflooring, shielding material) (Tech#129ML).Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Contact:Antonio Goncalves, DirectorTemple University Office ofTechnology TransferPhone: 215-204-7662Email: goncalves@mail.templ.eduwww.patents.temple.edu/complete_list.html