Microvascular Composites

VascTech (Vaporization of sacrificial components Technology) is a unique process developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to imbue composites with three-dimensional vasculature. Fabrication begins by incorporating sacrificial fibers into preforms followed by infiltration with epoxy resin and curing at elevated temperature. The fiber is then vaporized under heat and vacuum yielding empty channels and a 3D vascular network throughout the composite. By circulating fluids with unique physical properties, there is the capability to create a new generation of biphasic composite materials in which the solid phase provides strength and form while the fluid phase provides interchangeable functionality.