![\"David](\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/41\/2016\/03\/intelligentcomposites_2-1.jpg\")
Promising early test results helped Intelligent Composites attract more than $350,000 in grant funding during its first 15 months.<\/p>\n
According to the team\u2019s market research, engine and vehicle manufacturers facing stricter federal emissions regulations would sit up and take notice if presented with a cost-competitive method of reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 1 or 2 percent.<\/p>\n
Prototypes of a rotary engine with a part made from self-lubricating composite have produced far better results. Independent testing reported a 35 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to rotary engines made of traditional materials.<\/p>\n
Jordan and Beno hope to see similar benefits when the composite reduces friction between pistons and cylinders in internal combustion engines. Piston engines are used in almost all cars and trucks, so the impact could be dramatic.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf every car and truck in the country used Intelligent Composites cylinder liners, the United States could become energy independent,\u201d Beno said.<\/p>\n
His claim is supported by years of testing Rohatgi and Weiss did with manufacturing giants Ford, Briggs & Stratton and Oshkosh Corp. before Intelligent Composites formed.<\/p>\n
Robert Hathaway, a UW-Milwaukee alumnus and vice president of Global Technology \u2013 Materials and Process Engineering at Oshkosh Corp., has collaborated on research projects with Rohatgi for two decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe these materials have commercial merit,\u201d Hathaway wrote in a letter supporting the startup\u2019s application for a Small Business Technology Transfer grant. \u201cShould Intelligent Composites achieve the goals outlined in the federal grant application, Oshkosh Corporation would be interested in giving this technology a closer look.\u201d<\/p>\n
A dual sales approach<\/h3>\n
Although\u202fmuch more testing is ahead, the team also is executing a two-pronged game plan to break into the market.<\/p>\n
Weiss is introducing the composite parts to original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs. These companies, like the major automakers, outsource production of parts used in their final product and can influence others.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are disruptive materials that call for the suppliers to change manufacturing processes,\u201d Weiss said. \u201cAnd manufacturers are not as accepting of change as some of the high-tech companies are.\u201d<\/p>\n
Growth potential may help nudge them, Rohatgi said. There are at least 25 other vehicle parts that could become more energy-efficient if made with the composite.<\/p>\n
Jordan and Beno are focusing on a second front. They plan to make and sell engine cylinder liners for power sport vehicles \u2013 ATVs, snowmobiles and watercraft.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe first want to approach a group that could be early adopters,\u201d Weiss said. \u201cRacers are willing to do anything quickly that will give them a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n
Winning over power sport vehicle users would help validate the technology and show other OEMs that customers want to see Intelligent Composites components in their vehicles, Jordan said.<\/p>\n
Grateful for the university\u2019s support, the Intelligent Composites team granted 1 percent equity in the startup to the 51ÁÔÆæ Research Foundation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like the university environment allowed this work to grow,\u201d Rohatgi said. \u201cOur partnership holds an important tech-transfer lesson on the critical role of testing great academic ideas in the industry environment. Each one helps propel and hone the other.\u201d
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