Dr. Kovar is a Principal Scientist with extensive experience in the synthesis, processing and applications of advanced polymeric materials. He is a specialist in applying high temperature thermoset and thermoplastic polymers to the development of new and improved, ultralightweight composite structures with high specific strength and stiffness and unique armor properties. Composite experience includes high temperature polymer synthesis, prepreg manufacture, composite fabrication and composite characterization. Dr. Kovar is familiar with Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM), injection-molding, filament-winding, resin extrusion/braiding, fiber-spinning, film-extrusion, thermoforming and reaction-extrusion.Dr. Kovar’s research team developed intumescent epoxy and phenolic resin-based composites useful as fire barrier structures on Navy ships. Programs included the development of high temperature composites to replace PMR-15 composites and thermosetting plasticizers that enabled VARTM processing of high temperature composite matrix resins, such as NASA’s AMB-21 and AFRPE-4 resins. Dr. Kovar also developed composites with enhanced ballistic penetration resistance, flame-resistance and acoustic damping .