The processing laboratory occupies about 3600 sq. ft and its focus is on the development of innovative materials and processing techniques for aerospace, ship, and civil infrastructure applications. Composite materials are made from traditional autoclave and compression molding to resin transfer molding (RTM) and vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). A low cost RTM based carbon/carbon composite (CCC) was the recent innovation of the center. This method is not only robust but also reduced the processing time (cost) to one-half of the conventional approach. A patent is pending on this process. Experience gained from the CCC and polymeric composites has opened up several avenues for developing hybrid composites for temperatures ranging from 400 to 700 F.

IKA High Shear Mixer	Ultrasonic Processor	3 Roll Mill