There are many potential Navy and DoW applications for 3D-printable polymers, particularly those that may be printed as a composite with filler materials that impart special properties, such as high energy content or superior strength. Unfortunately, the filler materials also block visible light, making it difficult or even impossible to use stereolithography to print such composites. We believe there are potentially creative chemical cross-linker approaches to side-step this problem and allow the direct printing of such composites for highly-DoW relevant applications.  

Proposals to be considered should focus on creative approaches for designing cross-linking chemistry in a controlled manner for resin-filler composite mixtures with a high loading of solids. This is a broad topical area and candidates may choose to focus on different aspects of various relevant materials systems, including on the cross-linking chemistry and control over the cross-linking processes, as well as control over the printing process to produce unique and desirable properties in the printed product material. This may include in situ crosslinking, as well as the initial printing of a green body that will be post-processed. 

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Additional Benefits

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.