Mr. Garozzo has extensive experience in numerous forms of composite and plastic processing and in composite reinforcements and matrix systems. He is also well versed in plastics and rubber molding materials, and in developing parts for man-rated programs for the aerospace, medical and automotive industries. Earlier in his career, Mr. Garozzo was President and CEO of P&R Wheel and Water Sports, a multimillion dollar dealership for sales and service of composite vessels. He received his master of science degree in nonmetallic material science from California State University in 1978.

The University of Dayton Research Institute’s Center for Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites and Devices (CMPND) is the world’s first manufacturing center for product demonstration of nano-enhanced polymer composites. Created in collaboration with the National Composite Center in Dayton, OH, where it is located, the facility gives manufacturers the opportunity to evaluate state-of-the-art materials in their composite products, but without the major investment dollars and risk involved in purchasing new equipment and retooling their facilities.

The CMPND facility features a 10-foot autoclave, a 440-ton injection molding machine, a laser profiler and other equipment, in addition to lab and office space, and services include materials testing, prototype development and small production runs.

Manufacturers have access to the facility and its technologies, as well as UDRI staff expertise in nanomaterials. UDRI can also help manufacturers reduce the transition time of new materials to the marketplace.

UDRI’s CMPND is part of a larger program for the development of polymer nanomaterials and devices funded by Ohio’s Third Frontier Project. Other partners in the umbrella program are Ohio State University, working in the area of biosensors, and the University of Akron, working in polymer photonics.