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2409680

Project Grant

Overview

Grant Description
Sbir phase I: multifunctional, low carbon nanocomposite fibers derived from seaweed -the broader/commercial impact of this small business innovation research (SBIR) phase I project seeks to phase-out fossil fuel-based textiles with sustainable, non-toxic fabric alternatives with enhanced properties.

Currently, fabrics for high performance applications require toxic additives or coatings that may pollute air and water systems; additionally, most of them come from fossil fuels, contributing to global warming.

If successful, the proposed project will produce novel seaweed-based textiles with enhanced properties like fire and ultraviolet blocking and infrared shielding properties.

These properties are inherent to the material; thus, no further treatment will be needed, simplifying the manufacturing process.

The material will be attractive to US work apparel and outdoor activewear manufacturers seeking to increase the sustainability of their products.

The business model will be commercialization of the raw material and licensing the technology so manufacturers can fabricate the textiles to their needs.

By doing so, the company requires less operational investment, easing its introduction to the market.

This small business innovation research (SBIR) phase I project uses seaweed biopolymers combined with nanomaterials to create fibers and fabrics.

The enhanced properties like fire resistance, ultraviolet protection and heat shielding, as well as the mechanical properties of the fibers, can be finetuned depending on the formulation and the production method.

The aim is to develop a formula that will produce flexible fibers capable of being woven into fabrics with high performance characteristics.

The team will vary the formulation chemistry, the spinning process and will test how it affects the mechanical and chemical characteristics.

The project will focus on obtaining a fully plastic-free knitted yarn where UV protection, heat shielding, and fire resistance are achieved without adding plastic binders, coatings, or films.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

- Subawards are not planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE I", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23515
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Orlando, Florida 32826-4223 United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Soarce was awarded Project Grant 2409680 worth $275,000 from National Science Foundation in July 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Orlando Florida United States. The grant has a duration of 1 year and was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs.

SBIR Details

Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
SBIR Phase I: Multifunctional, low carbon nanocomposite fibers derived from seaweed
Abstract
The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project seeks to phase-out fossil fuel-based textiles with sustainable, non-toxic fabric alternatives with enhanced properties. Currently, fabrics for high performance applications require toxic additives or coatings that may pollute air and water systems; additionally, most of them come from fossil fuels, contributing to global warming. If successful, the proposed project will produce novel seaweed-based textiles with enhanced properties like fire and ultraviolet blocking and infrared shielding properties. These properties are inherent to the material; thus, no further treatment will be needed, simplifying the manufacturing process. The material will be attractive to US work apparel and outdoor activewear manufacturers seeking to increase the sustainability of their products. The business model will be commercialization of the raw material and licensing the technology so manufacturers can fabricate the textiles to their needs. By doing so, the company requires less operational investment, easing its introduction to the market. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project uses seaweed biopolymers combined with nanomaterials to create fibers and fabrics. The enhanced properties like fire resistance, ultraviolet protection and heat shielding, as well as the mechanical properties of the fibers, can be finetuned depending on the formulation and the production method. The aim is to develop a formula that will produce flexible fibers capable of being woven into fabrics with high performance characteristics. The team will vary the formulation chemistry, the spinning process and will test how it affects the mechanical and chemical characteristics. The project will focus on obtaining a fully plastic-free knitted yarn where UV protection, heat shielding, and fire resistance are achieved without adding plastic binders, coatings, or films. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Topic Code
AM
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-515

Status
(Complete)

Last Modified 7/8/24

Period of Performance
7/1/24
Start Date
6/30/25
End Date
100% Complete

Funding Split
$275.0K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$275.0K
Total Obligated
100.0% Federal Funding
0.0% Non-Federal Funding

Activity Timeline

Interactive chart of timeline of amendments to 2409680

Additional Detail

Award ID FAIN
2409680
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
MBHDGFL7M2Y5
Awardee CAGE
9NW70
Performance District
FL-10
Senators
Marco Rubio
Rick Scott
Modified: 7/8/24