Project Grant 2421903

Award Date 9/1/24
Completion Date 5/31/25
Dollars Obligated $275K
Federal Grant Program
47.084
Assistance Type
Project Grant
Place of Performance
North Andover, MA 01845, USA

This National Science Foundation (NSF) Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (CFDA 47.084) project grant award of $275,000 to Z-Polymers, Inc. aims to develop a novel liquid crystal polymer (LCP) material called Tullomer to address limitations in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. The project seeks to enhance the mechanical properties and environmental compatibility of FDM materials by optimizing monomer ratios, integrating nucleation additives, controlling mesogenic state formation, and tuning molecular weight and viscosity. The key objective is to create a high-strength, eco-friendly 3D printing filament that can outperform existing materials in terms of both mechanical strength and sustainability. This 9-month project from September 2024 to May 2025 is expected to result in a disruptive new material for applications in electric vehicles, defense, automotive, and aerospace industries by democratizing engineering-grade printing on consumer 3D printers.

Generated 1/28/25, 9:24 AM