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At least 235 records · Page 13

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NASA NTRS1985

Effects of high energy radiation on the mechanical properties of epoxy-graphite fiber reinforced composites

In an effort to elucidate the changes in molecular structural and mechanical properties of epoxy/graphite fiber composites upon exposure to ionizing radiation in a simulated space environment, spectroscopic and surface properties of tetraglycidyl-4,4'-diamino diphenyl methane (TGDDM) red with diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS) and T-300 graphite fiber were investigated following exposure to ionizing radiation. Cobalt-60 gamma radiation and 1/2 MeV electrons were used as radiation sources. The system was studied using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis.

Fornes, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Process for preparing essentially colorless polyimide film containing phenoxy-linked diamines

A polyimide film that is approximately 90% transparent at 500 nm, useful for thermal protective coatings and solar cells, and the processes for preparing the same by thermal and chemical conversion are disclosed. An essential feature for achieving maximum optical transparency films requires utilizing recrystallized and/or sublimated specific aromatic diamines and dianhydride monomers and introducing phenoxy or thiophenyl separator groups and isomeric m,m' or o,p'-oriented diamines into the polymer molecular structure. The incorporation of these groups in the polymer structure serves to separate the chromaphoric centers and reduce the formation of inter-chain and intra-chain charge transfer complexes which normally cause absorptions in the UV-visible range. The films may be obtained by hand, brushing, casting, or spraying a layer of polyamic acid solutions onto a surface and thermally converting the applied layer to the polyimide, or the polyamic acid solution can be chemically converted to the polyimide, subsequentially dissolved in an organic solvent, and applied as a polyimide film layer with the solvent therein thermally removed.

Stclair, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Evaluation of colorless polyimide film for thermal control coating applications

A series of essentially colorless aromatic polyimide films has been synthesized and characterized with the objective of obtaining maximum optical transparency for applications in space. Optical transparency is a requirement for high performance polymeric films used in second surface mirror coatings on thermal control systems. The intensity in color of aromatic polyimide films was lowered by reducing the electronic interaction between chromophoric centers in the polymer molecular structure and by using highly purified monomers. The resulting lightly colored to colorless polyimide films have been characterized by UV-visible and infrared spectroscopy before and after exposure to 300 equivalent solar hours UV irradiation and varying doses of 1 MeV electron irradiation. After irradiation, the films were found to be 2 to 2.5 times more transparent than commercial polyimide film of the same thickness.

St. Clair, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

A new emission feature in IRAS spectra and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon spectrum

IRAS spectra of those sources which show strong 7.7 and 11.3 micron emission features also show a plateau of emission extending from 11.3 to about 13.0 microns. Like the 11.3 micron feature, this new feature is attributed to the CH out-of-plane bending mode in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Its discovery reinforces the identification of the 'unidentified infrared emission features' as emission from PAHs. The wavelength of this new feature suggests that interstellar PAHs are not as partially hydrogenated as hitherto thought. It also constrains their molecular structure.

Cohen, M.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Investigation of the effects of cobalt ions on epoxy properties

The effects of Co(acac)sub x complexes on MY-720 epoxy properties have been investigated. It appears that Co2(+) ions form antibonding or nonbonding orbitals which increase the free volume and also reduce the cohesiveness of the host epoxy. The effects of Co2(+) ions, on the other hand, seem to result in increased Cohesiveness of the epoxy. The experimental values of magnetic moments of both types of ions in MY-720 suggest that the orbital momentum contributions of the (3d) electrons are partially conserved, though the effect is more pronounced for Co2(+) ions. The coordination environment of the cobalt ions in the host epoxy does not appear to be uniquely defined. These results indicate that the effects of metal ions on resin properties cannot be easily predicted on the basis of ligand field theory argument alone. Complex interactions between metal ions and host epoxy molecular structure suggest the desirability of parallel experimental investigations of electronic, magnetic, and mechanical properties of metal ion-containing epoxy samples for comparison with theory.

Singh, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

The hydrogen coverage of interstellar PAHs

The rate at which the CH bond in interstellar Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) rupture due to the absorption of a UV photon has been calculated. The results show that small PAHs (less than or equal to 25 carbon atoms) are expected to be partially dehydrogenated in regions with intense UV fields, while large PAHs (greater than or equal to 25 atoms) are expected to be completely hydrogenated in those regions. Because estimate of the carbon content of interstellar PAHs lie in the range of 20 to 25 carbon atoms, dehydrogenation is probably not very important. Because of the absence of other emission features besides the 11.3 micrometer feature in ground-based 8 to 13 micrometer spectra, it has been suggested that interstellar PAHs are partially dehydrogenated. However, IRAS 8 to 22 micrometer spectra of most sources that show strong 7.7 and 11.2 micrometer emission features also show a plateau of emission extending from about 11.3 to 14 micrometer. Like the 11.3 micrometer feature, this new feature is attributed to the CH out of plane bending mode in PAHs. This new feature shows that interstellar PAHs are not as dehydrogenated as estimated from ground-based 8 to 13 micrometer spectra. It also constrains the molecular structure of interstellar PAHs. In particular, it seems that very condensed PAHs, such as coronene and circumcoronene, dominate the interstellar PAH mixture as expected from stability arguments.

Barker, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Electron-radiation effects on the ac and dc electrical properties and unpaired electron densities of three aerospace polymers

The effects of gigarad-level total absorbed doses from 1-MeV electrons on the post-irradiation alternating-current (ac) and direct-current (dc) electrical properties and the unpaired electron densities have been studied for Kapton, Ultem, and Mylar. The unpaired electron densities (determined from electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy) and the dc electrical conductivities of the irradiated materials were monitored as functions of time following the exposures to determine their decay characteristics at room temperature. The elevated-temperature ac electrical dissipations of the Ultem and Mylar were affected by the radiation. The dc conductivity of the Kapton increased by five orders of magnitude, while the dc conductivities of the Ultem and Mylar increased by less than an order of magnitude, due to the radiation. The observed radiation-generated changes in the ac electrical dissipations are explained in terms of known radiation-generated changes in the molecular structures of the three materials. A preliminary model relating the dc electrical conductivity and the unpaired electron density in the Kapton is proposed.

Long, Sheila Ann T.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The hydrogen coverage of interstellar PAHs

Tielens, A. G. G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Additives Lower Pickup Of Moisture By Polyimides

Series of new polyimide-processing additives decrease free volume and pickup of moisture in new 422 copolyimide. Physical properties of several copolyimides synthesized from linear BDSDA/ODA/MPD homopolymers investigated previously, by positron-annihilation spectroscopy, with results indicating copolyimides have unique transition molecular structure characterized by higher electron densities and stronger bonds. Transition structure permits both physical and chemical entry of water molecules into it.

St. Clair, Terry L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Degradation and crosslinking of perfluoroalkyl polyethers under X-ray irradiation in ultrahigh vacuum

Degradation of three types of commercially available perfluoroalkyl polyethers (PFPE)-Demnum S200, Fomblin Z25, and Krytox 16256-by X-ray irradiation was studied by using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and a mass spectrometer under ultra-high-vacuum conditions. The carbons in the polymers were characterized by chemical shifts of Cls binding energies. Gaseous products containing COF2 and low-molecular-weight fluorocarbons were formed. From Fomblin Z25, which has acetal linkages (-OCF2O-), a large quantity of COF2 gas was evolved. Liquid products became tacky after a long irradiation time, and some did not dissolve in Freon. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that molecular weight distribution became broader and that higher molecular weight polymers were formed from Demnum and Krytox. We concluded from these results that degradation and cross-linking took place simultaneously. Demnum crosslinked more easily than the other fluids. The time dependence of both XPS spectra of Cls and mass spectra showed that C-O-bonded carbons in PFPE'S were removed faster than other carbons. There was no substrate effect on the degradation reaction because the first-order rate constants calculated from the change of gaseous products were similar when stainless steel (440C) and gold-coated surfaces were used. Metal fluorides were formed on stainless steel during the reaction. A mechanism for the degradation of PFPE'S is discussed on the basis of their molecular structures.

Mori, Shigeyuki↗

NASA NTRS1988

Effect of thermal spike on composite moisture capacity

As part of a continuing study of the effects of thermal spike on composite physical properties, severals sets of 16-ply TGDDM-DDS epoxy/graphite fiber composites were first saturated with moisture, and then individual specimens were subjected to thermal spikes of up to 240 C for periods of up to 25 minutes. At the cure temperature, 177 C, all sets show a change in rate of mass lost during spike. Post-spike moisture reabsorption capacity data provides evidence of temperature dependent molecular structural dilation and consolidation of the epoxide matrix. This evidence suggests that either a thermoreversible phenomenon such as physical aging or a nonreversible additional cure becomes active near the upper limit of the aircraft supersonic flight profile. These and other important observations suggest that one or more of several mechanisms may be active during thermal spike.

Adamson, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Soluble and colorless polyimides

Results are reported in the form of reaction diagrams, graphs, and tables of research being conducted to synthesize and characterize linear aromatic polyimides which are soluble in common organic solvents and optically transparent in the 400-600 nm spectral range. These flexible and high-temperature polymeric films and coatings are needed for specific applications on space components such as antennas, solar cells, and thermal control coating systems. Several series of these polyimide films have been produced by making variations in the polymer molecular structure aimed at reducing the electronic interactions between the polymer chains.

St. Clair, Anne K.↗

NASA NTRS1989

New emission features in the 11-13 micron region and their relationship to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Moderate-resolution spectra of NGC 7027, HD 44179, IRAS 2182+5050, and BD +30 deg 3639 are presented, showing that the 11.3-micron feature actually peaks at 11.22 microns. Evidence is found for new emission features near 11.9 and 12.7 microns, supporting an origin from PAHs. Also, the observed asymmetry of the 11.3-micron band is consistent with the anharmonicity expected in the C-H out-of-plane bending mode in PAHs. The analysis of the 11-13-micron emission suggests that the molecular structures of the most intensely emitting free PAHs vary between the high-excitation environment in NGC 7027 and the low-excitation but high-flux environment close to HD 44179. In addition, a series of regularly spaced features between 10 and 11 microns is detected in the spectrum of HD 44179, suggesting that a simple polyatomic hydride is present in the object's gas phase.

Witteborn, F. C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Nicalon/siliconoxycarbide ceramic composites

A series of silsesquioxane copolymers was synthesized by acid hydrolysis and condensation of trimethoxysilanes of the form RSi(OCH3)3, where R = methyl or phenyl. By varying pH, water/methoxy and methyl/phenyl ratios, the molecular structure, polymer rheology and ceramic composition can be controlled. The polymers form an amorphous siliconoxycarbide on pyrolysis. Composites of Nicalon/siliconoxycarbide were fractured in four-point flexure and in tension to evaluate the influence of matrix composition, final fabrication temperature and use of filler on composite mode of failure, modulus, strain capability and strength. Incorporation of filler was found to increase matrix compressive strength. Employment of processing temperatures of 1375 to 1400 C enhanced strain to failure and reduced the tendency toward brittle fracture. Mixed mode (compression/shear and tension/shear) failures were observed in flexural samples processed to the higher temperatures, giving rise to nonlinear stress-strain curves. Tensile samples pyrolyzed to 1400 C showed linear-elastic behavior and failed by fracture of fiber bundles. Matrix material was found to be adherent to the fiber surface after failure. These results demonstrate the need for tensile testing to establish composite behavior.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The discovery of a new infrared emission feature at 1905 wavenumbers (5.25 microns) in the spectrum of BD + 30 deg 3639 and its relation to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon model

A new IR emission feature at 1905/cm (5.25 microns) has been discovered in the spectrum of BD + 30 deg 3639. This feature joins the family of well-known IR emission features at 3040, 2940, 1750, 1610, '1310', 1160, and 890/cm. The origin of this new feature is discussed and it is assigned to an overtone or combination band involving C-H bending modes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Laboratory work suggests that spectral studies of the 2000-1650/cm region may be very useful in elucidating the molecular structure of interstellar PAHs. The new feature, in conjunction with other recently discovered spectral structures, suggests that the narrow IR emission features originate in PAH molecules rather than large carbon grains.

Allamandola, L. J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The application of ab initio calculations to molecular spectroscopy

The state of the art in ab initio molecular structure calculations is reviewed with an emphasis on recent developments, such as full configuration-interaction benchmark calculations and atomic natural orbital basis sets. It is found that new developments in methodology, combined with improvements in computer hardware, are leading to unprecedented accuracy in solving problems in spectroscopy.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - The infrared emission bands, the excitation/emission mechanism, and the astrophysical implications

A comprehensive study of the PAH hypothesis is presented, including the interstellar, IR spectral features which have been attributed to emission from highly vibrationally excited PAHs. Spectroscopic and IR emission features are discussed in detail. A method for calculating the IR fluorescence spectrum from a vibrationally excited molecule is described. Analysis of interstellar spectrum suggests that the PAHs which dominate the IR spectra contain between 20 and 40 C atoms. The results are compared with results from a thermal approximation. It is found that, for high levels of vibrational excitation and emission from low-frequency modes, the two methods produce similar results. Also, consideration is given to the relationship between PAH molecules and amorphous C particles, the most likely interstellar PAH molecular structures, the spectroscopic structure produced by PAHs and PAH-related materials in the UV portion of the interstellar extinction curve, and the influence of PAH charge on the UV, visible, and IR regions.

Allamandola, L. J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The application of ab initio calculations to molecular spectroscopy

The state of the art in ab initio molecular structure calculations is reviewed, with an emphasis on recent developments such as full configuration-interaction benchmark calculations and atomic natural orbital basis sets. It is shown that new developments in methodology combined with improvements in computer hardware are leading to unprecedented accuracy in solving problems in spectroscopy.

Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.↗