Innovative composite materials research at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Abstract

In the fiscal year 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy allocated over $650 million for materials research within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, Office of Defense Programs and the Office of Energy Research. Within the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Office of Industrial Technologies conducts research and development to conserve energy in industry. Efforts include developing continuous fiber ceramic composites; processing techniques such as reactive metal infiltration and microwave-assisted chemical vapor infiltration; mechanical and thermal property testing; modeling and designing of systems utilizing composite materials. Additional research efforts within the Office of Defense Programs focuses on ceramic and metal-matrix composite materials, polymer-bonded fiber composites and ceramic/glass composites. Although these materials and processing technologies may be engineered to meet specialized needs for nuclear weapon applications, they may be applicable to industrial and consumer markets as well. The Office of Fossil Energy primarily focuses on materials in fossil-based environments including advanced fiber-reinforced ceramics and fibrous preforms. The U.S. Department of Energy will continue to support composite research emphasizing partnerships with industry, national laboratories and universities to commercialize composite materials that will improve energy efficiency, productivity, and international competitiveness.