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Systems Engineering Portfolio
  Synlam™
Syntactic Microlaminate
What is Synlam?
Synlam refers to CRG’s family of high-performance,
syntactic core, laminated composites. A unique material design
and fabrication process incorporates thin layers of lightweight
syntactic composite between carbon fabric layers. The syntactic
core is a closed cell foam consisting of hollow glass microspheres
in a thermoset matrix. These hollow spheres are typically
in the range of 10 to 200 microns in diameter and are available
in a variety of materials including glass, ceramic, and polymers.
The combination of this low-density filler with high-temperature,
cyanate ester resin drastically reduces weight while maintaining
structural strength and stiffness.
 Synlam
Compared with Conventional Sandwich Composites
The fabrication technology of Synlam incorporates
traditional composite methods and novel lay-up techniques. Specific
stiffness of Synlam laminate is significantly greater than that
of conventional composites. Coupons of 0.07 cm thickness with
0.5g/cc density yielded a flexure modulus of 33 GPa in three-point-bend
testing. This is compared with the same thickness of 100% carbon
fiber composite, which yielded 21.7 GPa with 1.25 g/cc. CRG has
produced Synlam samples from several millimeters in size to 3-foot
by 3-foot panels. The increased area of surface adhesion between
laminate and core layers provides integrity superior to that of
conventional sandwich composites.
 Applications
Possible applications of this high-performance
syntactic laminate include aerospace air-frames, architectural
materials, lightweight mirrors, space structures, instrument
housings, sporting goods, and shelters. Synlam can be machined
and laser-cut, adding to its versatility.
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