TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Extremely Light Foam (ELF)
ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
Who can apply
No Set aside used. NONE
About this opportunity
ELF (Extremely Light Foam) is a new way to make structural foam that is both much lighter and much stronger than today�s alternatives. The process, developed by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, uses common epoxy materials mixed with tiny hollow particles and a temporary liquid that later evaporates. As the material cures, this liquid naturally leaves behind a well-organized network of empty space, creating a foam that is mostly air but still highly resistant to crushing and pressure. The result is a material that can be up to twice as strong at the same weight as conventional foams, while remaining easy to pour, mold, and manufacture at scale using safe, commercially available ingredients. Because it combines low weight, high strength, simple processing, and design flexibility...