Newly Developed Nickel Nanostrands Increase Conductivity in Existing Materials Published Feb. 8, 2013 By Max Alexander Materials and Manufacturing WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE -- The Air Force Research and Conductive Composites developed a new nickel nanostrand filler material capable of increasing electrical conduction in existing materials. Incorporation of nickel nanostrands enables insertion of electrical conductivity into polymers and polymer composite systems, and can enable altogether new materials with unique capabilities. The material was developed as part of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Using these new nanomaterials reduces volume, percent and weight percent necessary to achieve the same conductivity levels as traditional solutions. Electrically conductive polymer composites weigh a third of their metallic counterparts, and retain their original, desired properties. They are also used in a broad range of applications, including systems for grounding, resistive heating, protection from electrostatic discharge, electromagnetic interference, and moderation of lightning strike effects. In defense sectors, the electrical properties of these materials are also critical enablers for digital communications and controls. Polymer and fiber reinforced composites are becoming more common in commercial, defense and private sectors and are well suited for replacing metallic structures with respect to mechanical and processing properties.