Semplastics wins Phase 2 Space Florida Grant for metal-plated, high temperature plastics

ORLANDO, Florida, 2019-Aug-15 — /EPR Network/ — Imagine a material that lightens fuel loads and cuts costs every time a rocket blasts off from the launch pad. Space Florida has awarded Orlando-based Semplastics a Phase 2 grant to continue working on a unique material that could transform the aerospace and space industries.

Semplastics, through its innovative X-MAT® division, is working with Israeli partner Polymertal to create a lightweight plastic that can be coated with metal. The final hybrid product would be lightweight and would be able to withstand high temperatures at the same time. The resulting material is stronger than plastic, but lighter than traditional metal parts. It has greater resistance to friction and wear and can withstand high pressures. The hybrid is unlike any material currently on the market.

As part of the ongoing research, Semplastics is experimenting with ways to cut production costs. The $500,000 Space Florida grant allows the X-MAT® division to explore modifying the high temperature plastics to enable 3D printing.

“The material we are developing could become a key component for the technology that helps us explore our universe,” said Semplastics CEO and Founder Bill Easter. “We are pleased that Space Florida and the Florida-Israel Innovation Partnership recognized the importance of our research to the aerospace and space industries.”

The hybrid material also has a future on earth from high-temperature seals to engine manifolds for high-performance cars. The material could also be used as EMI shielding for helmets and other equipment.

About X-MAT®, the Advanced Materials Division of Semplastics

X-MAT®, the Advanced Materials Division of Semplastics, launched in 2013. X-MAT® developed a revolutionary high performance material that combines some of the best properties of metals (electrical conductivity), engineering plastics (lightweight) and ceramics (high operating temperature). X-MAT® has had several partnerships including work with NASA, Space Florida and the NETL. X-MAT®’s game-changing material has various current applications including fireproof roof tiles, lightweight space mirrors, battery electrodes and 3D printing ceramics. X-MAT® technology can be custom-engineered to fit many specifications and has unlimited potential market applications. To learn more about X-MAT® capabilities and future projects, visit their website at https://www.x-materials.com or call (407)353-6885.

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