Abstract: A method of making property modulated composite materials includes depositing a first layer of material having a first microstructure/nanostructure on a substrate followed by depositing a second layer of material having a second microstructure/nanostructure that differs from the first layer. Multiple first and second layers can be deposited to form a composite material that includes a plurality of adjacent first and second layers. By controlling the microstructure/nanostructure of the layers, the material properties of the composite material formed by this method can be tailored for a specific use. The microstructures/nanostructures of the composite materials may be defined by one or more of grain size, grain boundary geometry, crystal orientation, and a defect density.

Abstract: The technology described herein sets forth methods of making low stress or stress free coatings and articles using electrodeposition without the use of stress reducing agents in the deposition process. The articles and coatings can be layered or nanolayered wherein in the microstructure/nanostructure and composition of individual layers can be independently modulated.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of preparing nanolaminated brass coatings and components having desirable and useful properties. Also described are nanolaminated brass components and plastic and polymeric substrates coated with nanolaminated brass coatings having desirable and useful properties.

Abstract: An armor material and method of manufacturing utilize nano- and/or microlaminate materials. In one embodiment, the armor material comprises a layered composite material including a strike face, a core layer, and a spall liner. The strike face achieves hardness and toughness by the controlled placement of hard and tough constituent materials through the use of nano- and/or microlaminate materials. The core layer achieves energy absorption through the use of nano- or microlaminated coated compliant materials. The spall liner provides reinforcement through the use of nano- or microlaminated fiber reinforced panels. In one embodiment, nano- and/or microlaminated materials can be manufactured through the use of electrodeposition techniques.

Abstract: A method of making property modulated composite materials includes depositing a first layer of material having a first microstructure/nanostructure on a substrate followed by depositing a second layer of material having a second microstructure/nanostructure that differs from the first layer. Multiple first and second layers can be deposited to form a composite material that includes a plurality of adjacent first and second layers. By controlling the microstructure/nanostructure of the layers, the material properties of the composite material formed by this method can be tailored for a specific use. The microstructures/nanostructures of the composite materials may be defined by one or more of grain size, grain boundary geometry, crystal orientation, and a defect density.

Abstract: A light-weight composite material with enhanced structural characteristics includes, in one embodiment, a compositionally modulated nanolaminate coating electrically deposited into an open, accessible void structure of a porous substrate. As a result of including a nanolaminate within the void structure, the composite can include a greater amount of nanolaminate material per unit volume than can be achieved by depositing a nanolaminate material solely on a two-dimensional surface. In addition, the nanolaminate material as well as other material electrodeposited to form the composite is compositionally modulated so that discontinuities between layers are minimized and potentially eliminated. The light-weight but structurally enhanced composite material can be used in a number of different applications including, but not limited to, ballistic applications (e.g., armor panels or tank panels), automotive protection applications (e.g., car door panels, racing shells) and sporting equipment applications (e.g.

Abstract: An improved fuel tank and method of forming a fuel tank utilize reinforced porous metal composite materials. In one embodiment, the composite material includes a fully dense, fluid-impermeable skin combined with a porous metal baffle. The skin and baffle may be formed as a single monolithic system via electrodeposition of a nanolaminate material into at least a portion of open, accessible void space within a porous preform (e.g., a metal foam preform) and on the exterior surface of the preform to form the fluid-impermeable skin.