CONTACT - Nanotechnology Research for Air Force Applications

The CONTACT program (consortium for nanomaterials for aerospace commerce and technology) is a cooperative nanotechnology research program in Texas. The partners include the US Air Force Research Laboratory, five campuses of the University of Texas (Brownsville, Pan American, Arlington, Austin, and Dallas), the University of Houston, and Rice University. The program aims to develop and commercialize new nanotechnology materials and processes for the Air Force and the aerospace industry through the collaborative efforts of the intellectual centers of the consortium. Research is focused on four areas of aerospace research demand: adaptive coatings and surface engineering, nano energetics, electromagnetic sensors, and power generation and storage. This paper provides insight into the projects including work on novel sensors, energetic materials and composites.