US Navy works on new composite materials

The U.S. Navy has completed the limited purpose cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) it undertook with the Swiss company Evolva to support the joint development of new composite materials.

The focus of the efforts supported by this CRADA relate to the development, validation and potential commercialization of new fire-resistant composite materials to save lives and reduce harm from fire.

According to Evolva, these materials would be used on aircraft, waterborne craft, fabrics, armored vehicles, and construction materials.

These composite materials are based on a molecule that can be manufactured on an industrial scale using biotechnology and fermentation, and then polymerized and shaped/molded using standard fabrication techniques, the Swiss company explained.

Evolva CEO Neil Goldsmith said: “This agreement highlights and validates the versatility of our product innovation platform and depth of our plant science expertise.”