Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Processing and Properties”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Vitrification of High-Cr Glass in Research-Scale Melter

This test report describes the experimental results from a small-scale test using the research-scale melter (RSM) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to demonstrate processing of a high-Cr simulated feed stream, designated HLW-HCr-16. The RSM is a small, joule-heated melter capable of processing melter feed continuously. The melter is equipped with Inconel ® 693 electrodes, Monofrax ® K-3 refractory, and an Inconel 690 pour spout. An electric kiln surrounds the melter body and minimizes heat loss from the melter body during operation. The RSM is equipped with an offgas treatment system that employs quenching, wet scrubbing, and high-efficiency mist elimination. The glass-discharge section is heated to facilitate pouring of the glass. The melter is fitted with a melt cavity that is ~25 cm (10 in.) in diameter with a nominal glass depth of 8.9 cm (3.5 in.). The melter was operated with a target glass temperature of 1150°C and target plenum temperature between 550°C and 700°C for this test. The air bubbling rate was 4.2 L/min. Overall, during the continuous operation of the melter for ~ 103 hours, ~ 141 kg of glass was produced. At the conclusion of the test, the melter and exhaust lines were visually inspected for particulate deposition and corrosion. Entrained material had adhered to the underside of the melter lid and to the exhaust piping. Enrichments in elements such as Cl, F, B, K, Li, P, Na, and S were measured in these deposits through inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis. When the melter electrodes and air bubbler tube were removed from the glass in the RSM, the electrodes appeared discolored, but no significant loss of metal was observed. The processing of a high-Cr simulant, HLW-HCr-16, in the RSM produced glass at an average rate of 1.36 kg/h, equaling a melter-surface-area normalized glass generation rate of 654 kg/day/m 2 . The resulting glass met the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure requirement. Test results of crystallinity, electrical conductivity, and viscosity showed good processing properties of this high-Cr high-level waste glass. RSM offgas was also sampled and analyzed at periodic intervals during steady-state operating conditions. The total decontamination factor averaged by four sampling periods was 134. The concentrations of CO and NO x in emissions were 237 to 422 and 69 to 94 parts per million by volume, respectively.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2021

FLC Award: Smart Chutes and Sensors

Increasing the production and use of biofuels is a national objective for renewable, cleaner energy. A primary objective of the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium (FCIC) is to address the operational, safety, throughput, and yield of bio-refineries to revolutionize biomass processing with the goal to make bio-derived fuels cost-competitive with fossil fuels. One of the main hurdles is increasing the operational reliability of the bio-refineries. Bio-refineries convert the biomass, such as corn stover, into ethanol. Corn stover is composed of the non-edible stalks, leaves, cobs, and husks left over from harvesting. This material is known for having poor processing properties for bulk solids handling and transport. These properties, such as moisture content, cause costly system plugging and downtime at bio-refineries which limit biofuel from being cost-competitive with diesel and gasoline fuels.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Mechanical, Microstructural, and Electrochemical Characterization of NaSICON Sodium Ion Conductors [Poster]

The DOE Office of Electricity views sodium batteries as a priority in pursuing a safe, resilient, and reliable grid. Improvements in solid-state electrolytes are key to realizing the potential of these large-scale batteries. NaSICON structure consists of SiO 4 or PO 4 tetrahedra sharing common corners with ZrO 6 octahedra. Structure forms “tunnels” in three dimensions that can transport interstitial sodium ion. 3D structure provides higher ionic conductivity than other conductors (β’’-alumina), particularly at low temperature. Lower temperature (cheaper) processing compared to β’’-alumina. Our objective was to identify fundamental structure-processing-property relationships in NaSICON solid electrolytes to inform design for use in sodium batteries. In this work, the mechanical properties of NaSICON sodium ion conductors are affected by sodium conduction. Electrochemical cycling can alter modulus and hardness in NaSICON. Excessive cycling can lead to secondary phases and/or dendrite formation that change mechanical properties in NaSICON. Mechanical and electrochemical properties can be correlated with topographical features to further inform design decisions

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Materials Scorecards, Phase 1: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology

This report presents preliminary material score cards (Phase 1) based on a survey of industry experts and the limited literature available on the state of advanced manufacturing of materials for nuclear applications. Seven reactor types were considered, and the data is presented in tabular form. The caveat is that the scores are based on limited data and expert judgement. Considerable work remains to be done to prioritize materials for advanced manufacturing to support existing and advanced reactors. A central database of processing conditions, resulting microstructure, post processing, properties, and performance of these materials is needed to support the accelerated adoption of advanced manufacturing by the industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

L-SCIE and SUPCRTNE model and database development

This progress report (Level 3 Milestone Number M3SF-25LL010301052) summarizes research conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) within the Argillite Host Rock Properties & Processes Work Package SF-25LL01030105. The focus of this milestone is to create an initial SUPCRTNE database and extensively test the SUPCRTNE code. We prepared a draft manuscript describing our workflow and approach for developing a next-generation thermodynamic database for the Spent Fuel and High Level Waste Disposition campaign. The goal is to ease any future formal software qualification effort as was done on the Yucca Mountain Project for codes including SUPCRT92 and EQ3/6. We are attempting to extend the SUPCRTNE database to include more species, mainly from the NEA volumes. We can also take advantage of thermodynamic database activities that are ongoing at Thermochimie and as part of the EURADII program. However, our effort is limited by the funds available and the changes to program scope that was initiated in mid-FY25.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

M3SF-25LL010302052 - Radionuclide Interaction with Hydrothermally Altered Repository Materials

This progress report (Level 3 Milestone Number M3SF-25LL010302052) summarizes research conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) within the Crystalline Host Rock Properties & Processes - LLNL Number SF-25LL01030205. Observed changes in radionuclide sorption after bentonite/clay heating have implications for radionuclide diffusive transport through engineered barriers and must be considered when designing waste disposal repositories. Recent research performed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has provided key insights regarding the hydrothermal alteration behavior of bentonite backfill in the presence of repository materials (steel, concrete, etc.). We are examining how this mineral alteration affects retardation behavior of a suite of radionuclides of interest to repository performance assessment. Sorption experiments and data analysis for 233 U were initiated in FY24 following earlier experiments performed on 243 Am, 90 Sr, 137 Cs. In FY25, we completed the 233 U study and initiated and completed a study of 237 Np sorption. Below, we summarize the results and potential impacts of hydrothermal alteration on radionuclide retardation and assess the importance of this process to radionuclide migration from a GHRDC. We also use statistical tools (i.e. PCA) to help us determine the major drivers in affecting changes in measured Kd values induced by hydrothermal alteration. These experiments also allow us to test the predictive ability of our component additivity approach to surface complexation and ion exchange. Our guiding hypothesis is that a robust surface complexation/ion exchange model and associated database can effectively predict changes in radionuclide sorption behavior resulting from the hydrothermal alteration of mineralogy in a repository near field. In November 2024 the paper “Selenium interaction with iron minerals: Quantitative comparison of sorption and coprecipitation impacts on mobility” was published in Applied Geochemistry. A short update of results to date is presented below. In FY25, we also actively supported the DITUSC project, which is part of the EURADII initiative, as associate partners. We are executing the Migration2025 conference and support associated the NEA-TDB and Thermochimie workshops that will provide critical international engagements and develop consensus and synergy in thermodynamics as it relates to supporting the US nuclear waste repository program.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2026

Web-accessible sorption database (Interim Progress Report)

This progress report (Level 4 Milestone Number M4SF-26LL010204053) summarizes research conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) within the Crystalline Host Rock Properties & Processes - LLNL Number SF-26LL01020405. This research is focused on the development of a web-accessible database of sorption data for minerals and rocks (bentonite backfill and crystalline host rock) that are likely to be present in a US hosted repository, including elevated temperature data that are expected in a DPC DGR scenario.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Report priority gaps in high temperature thermodynamic data (Interim Progress Report)

This interim progress report (Level 4 Milestone Number M4SF-26LL010203023) summarizes research conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) within the Argillite Host Rock Properties & Processes SF-26LL01020302. Our focus is to assess gaps in data availability and understanding for radionuclide thermodynamics within the context of a “hot repository” concept and expand SUPCRT-NE database development to address higher temperatures needed for a DPC DGR disposal concept. The database is intended to inform the argillite GDSA baseline model. The leading European thermochemical database (Thermochimie) is only applicable to temperatures below 80°C. Thus, a US effort to integrate and expand upon other international thermodynamics database efforts is needed, particular if a “hot repository” concept moves forward.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Novel Dynamic Polymer Synthesis via Chlorinated Solvent Quenched Depolymerization

Dynamic polymers with both physical interactions and dynamic covalent bonds exhibit superior performance while achieving such dry polymers in an efficient manner remains a challenge. Herein, we report a novel organic solvent quenched polymer synthesis using a natural molecule, i.e., thioctic acid (TA), which has both dynamic disulfide bond and carboxylic acid. The effects of the solvent types and concentrations along with reaction times on the proposed reaction have been thoroughly explored for polymer synthesis. Solid-state proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) and first-principles simulations are carried out to investigate the reaction mechanism. It shows that the chlorinated solvent can efficiently stabilize and mediate the depolymerization of poly(TA) which is more kinetically favorable upon lowering the temperature. Attributed to the numerous dynamic covalent disulfide bonds and noncovalent hydrogen bonding, the obtained poly(TA) shows high extensibility, self-healable and re-processable properties. It can also be employed as an efficient adhesive even on a Teflon surface and 3D printed using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. This new polymer synthesis approach on using organic solvents as catalysts along with the unique reaction mechanism provides a new pathway for efficient polymer synthesis, especially for those multi-functional dynamic polymers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Editorial: Exogenous carbon-based materials in soil ecosystems

Various exogenous carbon-based materials (ECMs) such as crop straw, biochar, carbon-based nano-fertilizer, and microplastics have accumulated in soil ecosystems. These ECMs may cause direct and indirect impacts on soil properties, processes, productivity, and health, thus potentially changing the function and stability of soil ecosystems. However, large knowledge gaps still exist on ECMs in soil ecosystems, including their accumulation, interactions with soil components, and potential ecological impacts and risks. Therefore, more efforts are needed to further understand the impacts especially the long-term effects of ECMs in soil ecosystems. By generating new knowledge, this Research Topic aims to improve the understanding of the effects of ECMs on soil ecosystems, including soil quality, nutrient cycling, microbial ecology, crop growth, environmental health and ecological risk.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quantifying Drivers of Methane Hydrobiogeochemistry in a Tidal River Floodplain System

The influence of coastal ecosystems on global greenhouse gas (GHG) budgets and their response to increasing inundation and salinization remains poorly constrained. In this study, we have integrated an uncertainty quantification (UQ) and ensemble machine learning (ML) framework to identify and rank the most influential processes, properties, and conditions controlling methane behavior in a freshwater floodplain responding to recently restored seawater inundation. Our unique multivariate, multiyear, and multi-site dataset comprises tidal creek and floodplain porewater observations encompassing water level, salinity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO 2 ), nitrous oxide (pN 2 O), methane (pCH 4 ), and the stable isotopic composition of methane (δ 13 CH 4 ). Additionally, we incorporated topographical data, soil porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and water retention parameters for UQ analysis using a previously developed 3D variably saturated flow and transport floodplain model for a physical mechanistic understanding of factors influencing groundwater levels and salinity and, therefore, CH 4 . Principal component analysis revealed that groundwater level and salinity are the most significant predictors of overall biogeochemical variability. The ensemble ML models and UQ analyses identified DO, water level, salinity, and temperature as the most influential factors for porewater methane levels and indicated that approximately 80% of the total variability in hourly water levels and around 60% of the total variability in hourly salinity can be explained by permeability, creek water level, and two van Genuchten water retention function parameters: the air-entry suction parameter α and the pore size distribution parameter m. These findings provide insights on the physicochemical factors in methane behavior in coastal ecosystems and their representation in local- to global-scale Earth system models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1973

Applying high-emittance and solar-absorptance coating to aluminum

Coated surface withstands space environment with negilgible change in radiation characteristics and physical properties. Process can be used with any porous substance, as long as pores are large enough to allow molecules of reacting solutions to enter and yet not so large as to allow nickel sulfide to be leached out of pores before sealing.

Progar, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Review of world experience and properties of materials for encapsulation of terrestrial photovoltaic arrays

Published and unpublished information relating to encapsulation systems and materials properties was collected by searching the literature and appropriate data bases (over 1,300 documents were selected and reviewed) and by personal contacts including site and company visits. A data tabulation summarizing world experience with terrestrial photovoltaic arrays (50 installations) is presented in the report. Based on criteria of properties, processability, availability, and cost, candidate materials were identified which have potential for use in encapsulation systems for arrays with a lifetime of over 20 years high reliability, an efficiency greater than 10 percent, a total price less than $500/kW, and a production capacity of 500,000 kW/yr. The recommended materials (all commercially available) include, depending upon the device design, various borosilicate and soda-lime glasses and numerous polymerics suitable for specific encapsulation system functions.

Carmichael, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

High-temperature resins

The basic chemistry, cure processes, properties, and applications of high temperature resins known as polyimides are surveyed. Condensation aromatic polymides are prepared by reacting aromatic diamines with aromatic dianhydrides, aromatic tetracarboxylic acids, or with dialkyl esters of aromatic tetracarboxylic acids, depending on the intended end use. The first is for coatings or films while the latter two are more suitable for polyimide matrix resins. Prepreg solutions are made by dissolving reactants in an aprotic solvent, and advances in the addition of a diamine on the double bond and radical polymerization of the double bond are noted to have yielded a final cure product with void-free characteristics. Attention is given to properties of the Skybond, Pyralin, and NR-150B polyimide prepreg materials and characteristics of aging in the NP-150 polyimides. Finally, features of the NASA-developed PMR polyimides are reviewed.

Serafini, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Fibrous ceramic insulation

Some of the reusable heat shielding materials used to protect the Space Shuttles, their manufacturing processes, properties, and applications are discussed. Emphases is upon ceramic materials. Space Shuttle Orbiter tiles are discussed.

Howard E. Goldstein↗
NASA NTRS1986

Iron/Phosphorus Alloys for Continuous Casting

Continuous casting becomes practicable because of reduced eutectic temperature. Experimental ferrous alloy has melting point about 350 degrees C lower than conventional steels, making possible to cast structural members and eliminating need for hot rolling. Product has normal metal structure and good physical properties. Process used to make rails, beams, slabs, channels, and pipes.

Dufresne, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

AMSAHTS 1990: Advances in Materials Science and Applications of High Temperature Superconductors

This publication is comprised of abstracts for oral and poster presentations scheduled for AMSAHTS '90. The conference will focus on understanding high-temperature superconductivity with special emphases on materials issues and applications. AMSAHTS '90, will highlight the state of the art in fundamental understanding of the nature of high-Tc superconductivity (HTSC) as well as the chemistry, structure, properties, processing and stability of HTSC oxides. As a special feature of the conference, space applications of HTSC will be discussed by NASA and Navy specialists.

Flom, Yury↗
NASA NTRS1990

On-line in-situ control of the resin transfer molding process

Resin transfer molding of three-dimensionally stitched fabrics promises to be a cost effective process for obtaining composite parts of exceptional strength. The technique eliminates many problems involving prepreg preparation, storage and layup. It replaces, on the other hand, the single step cure process with a two-stage impregnation and cure process. Of particular importance therefore is selecting and controlling the viscosity during impregnation and cure. The use of in-situ frequency-dependent electromagnetic sensors and the Loos-Springer model for selecting and controllng the processing properties of the resin transfer molding resin during impregnation and cure are discussed.

Kranbuehl, D.↗