Fabrication, Thermal Analysis, and Heavy Ion Irradiation Resistance of Epoxy Matrix Nanocomposites Loaded with Silane-Functionalized Ceria Nanoparticles
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Davis-Wheeler Chin, Clare↗
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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.
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Digitally Programmable Current-Mode Analog Fuzzy Membership Function Circuit
A digitally programmable current-mode analog fuzzy membership function circuit (MFC) has been designed, simulated and fabricated in a 0.5 micro-m CMOS technology.
implementation↗
Texture development in magnetostrictive Fe-Ga alloys processed by laser powder bed fusion
Iron-gallium (Fe-Ga, Galfenol) alloys are promising magnetostrictive materials for actuators, sensors, and energy harvesting, but their performance is highly sensitive to microstructure and texture. Additive manufacturing by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) offers a pathway to engineer texture and integrate functional materials into complex geometries. Here, we fabricate Fe-Ga alloys (Fe 82.2 Ga 17.8 ) by LPBF of gas-atomized powders and systematically optimize laser power and scan speed to maximize density and control texture. Nearly full-density parts (up to 99.6 %) are achieved within a narrow processing window. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) reveals a strong <100> fiber texture aligned with the build direction and columnar grains up to 1 mm long. Magnetostriction measurements show saturation magnetostriction of 190 ppm in the build direction. Correlating texture data with macroscopic magnetostriction, we estimate intrinsic magnetostriction constants (λ 100 = 228 ppm, λ 111 = 12 ppm), closely matching single crystal-derived values. These results demonstrate the critical interplay between processing, texture, and functional performance in additively manufactured Fe-Ga alloys and establish LPBF as a viable route for high-performance magnetostrictive materials.
Additive manufacturing↗
Broadband unidirectional visible imaging using wafer-scale nano-fabrication of multi-layer diffractive optical processors
We present a broadband and polarization-insensitive unidirectional imager that operates at the visible part of the spectrum, where image formation occurs in one direction, while in the opposite direction, it is blocked. This approach is enabled by deep learning-driven diffractive optical design with wafer-scale nano-fabrication using high-purity fused silica to ensure optical transparency and thermal stability. Our design achieves unidirectional imaging across three visible wavelengths (covering red, green, and blue parts of the spectrum), and we experimentally validated this broadband unidirectional imager by creating high-fidelity images in the forward direction and generating weak, distorted output patterns in the backward direction, in alignment with our numerical simulations. This work demonstrates wafer-scale production of diffractive optical processors, featuring 16 levels of nanoscale phase features distributed across two axially aligned diffractive layers for visible unidirectional imaging. This approach facilitates mass-scale production of ~0.5 billion nanoscale phase features per wafer, supporting high-throughput manufacturing of hundreds to thousands of multi-layer diffractive processors suitable for large apertures and parallel processing of multiple tasks. Beyond broadband unidirectional imaging in the visible spectrum, this study establishes a pathway for artificial-intelligence-enabled diffractive optics with versatile applications, signaling a new era in optical device functionality with industrial-level, massively scalable fabrication.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Scalable fabrication of Chip-integrated 3D-nanostructured electronic devices via DNA-programmable assembly
DNA-based self-assembly methods have demonstrated powerful and unique capabilities to encode nanomaterial structures through the prescribed placement of inorganic and biological nanocomponents. However, the challenge of selectively growing DNA superlattices on specific locations of surfaces and their integration with conventional nanofabrication has hindered the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) DNA-assembled functional devices. Here, we present a scalable nanofabrication technique that combines bottom-up and top-down approaches for selective growth of 3D DNA superlattices on gold microarrays. This approach allows for the fabrication of self-assembled 3D-nanostructured electronic devices. DNA strands are bound onto the gold arrays, which anchor DNA origami frames and promote ordered framework growth on the specific areas of the surface, enabling control of the lateral placement and orientation of superlattices. DNA frameworks selectively grown on the pads are subsequently templated to nanoscale silica and tin oxide (SnO x ) that follow the architecture, as confirmed by structural and chemical characterizations. The fabricated SnO x superlattices are integrated into devices that demonstrate photocurrent response.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Optical systems fabricated by printing-based assembly
Provided are optical devices and systems fabricated, at least in part, via printing-based assembly and integration of device components. In specific embodiments the present invention provides light emitting systems, light collecting systems, light sensing systems and photovoltaic systems comprising printable semiconductor elements, including large area, high performance macroelectronic devices. Optical systems of the present invention comprise semiconductor elements assembled, organized and/or integrated with other device components via printing techniques that exhibit performance characteristics and functionality comparable to single crystalline semiconductor based devices fabricated using conventional high temperature processing methods. Optical systems of the present invention have device geometries and configurations, such as form factors, component densities, and component positions, accessed by printing that provide a range of useful device functionalities. Optical systems of the present invention include devices and device arrays exhibiting a range of useful physical and mechanical properties including flexibility, shapeability, conformability and stretchablity.
Rogers, John↗
Additive Manufacturing of Multifunctional Components Using High Density Carbon Nanotube Yarn Filaments
Additive manufacturing allows for design freedom and part complexity not currently attainable using traditional manufacturing technologies. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), for example, can yield novel component geometries and functionalities because the method provides a high level of control over material placement and processing conditions. This is achievable by extrusion of a preprocessed filament feedstock material along a predetermined path. However if fabrication of a multifunctional part relies only on conventional filament materials, it will require a different material for each unique functionality printed into the part. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an attractive material for many applications due to their high specific strength as well as good electrical and thermal conductivity. The presence of this set of properties in a single material presents an opportunity to use one material to achieve multifunctionality in an additively manufactured part. This paper describes a recently developed method for processing continuous CNT yarn filaments into three-dimensional articles, and summarizes the mechanical, electrical, and sensing performance of the components fabricated in this way.
Gardner, John M.↗
Exsolution Synthesis of Nanocomposite Perovskites with Tunable Electrical and Magnetic Properties
Nanostructured functional oxides play an important role in enabling clean energy technologies and novel memory and processor devices. Using thin-film La 0.6 Sr 0.4 FeO 3 (LSF) as a model system, the novel utility of exsolution in fabricating self-assembled metal oxide nanocomposites with tunable functionalities is shown. Exsolution triggers the formation of metallic iron (Fe 0 ) nanoparticles, Ruddlesden–Popper domains, and nm-scale percolated Fe-deficient channels in LSF. Combining multimodal characterization with numerical modeling, the chemical, magnetic, and electrical properties of the exsolution-synthesized nanocomposite at different stages of Fe 0 exsolution as well as during redox cycling are assessed. After exsolution, the electronic conductivity of the nanocomposite LSF increased by more than two orders of magnitude. Based on numerical analysis representing all the constituents, it is expected that this increase in conductivity originates mainly from the Fe-deficient percolating channels formed during exsolution. Moreover, the exsolved nanocomposite is redox-active even at moderate temperatures. Such redox capabilities can enable dynamic control of the nanocomposite functionality by tailoring the oxygen non-stoichiometry. This concept is demonstrated with a continuous modulation of magnetization between 0 and 110 emu cm -3 . These findings point out that exsolution may serve as a platform for scalable fabrication of complex metal oxide nanocomposites for electrochemical and electronic applications.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Equilibrium-gated pattern formation: How molecular dissociation thermodynamics drive emergent behavior in dissipative polymeric systems
Emergent patterns in biological systems arise through dissipative processes that balance reaction and transport phenomena, producing highly functional properties from self-regulating mechanisms. Synthetic fabrication, by contrast, often relies on user-controlled, multistep methods that lack the self-organizing capabilities of natural systems. Inspired by nature, we sought chemical systems that integrate strongly coupled reaction and transport phenomena, identifying frontal ring-opening metathesis polymerization (FROMP) as a method capable of creating diverse forms and functions through reactive processing. By employing discrete molecular initiators, FROMP allows precise control of key reaction steps—inhibition, initiation, and propagation. Using an integrated computational and experimental framework, we uncover how near-equilibrium inhibition dynamics, coupled with far-from-equilibrium reaction kinetics, drive pattern formation in frontally polymerized synthetic materials. We propose the concept of equilibrium-gated pattern formation, demonstrating how initiator chemistry can be tuned to achieve programmable macroscale properties. Our study reveals a surprising insight: Emergent behavior in FROMP systems arises from the inhibition-dominated regime of resin composition, expanding prior observations that such behavior is confined to a narrow compositional space near the boundary between front quenching and uniform front propagation. We identify a broader compositional window, far from the quenching regime, where emergent behavior reliably manifests. This expanded design space significantly enhances the operational flexibility of reactive systems and their capacity for self-organization. Furthermore, these insights provide a roadmap for designing bioinspired materials with self-organizing capabilities, unlocking possibilities in synthetic manufacturing.
Architected Polymers↗
Development of Crown Ether-Functionalized Polymeric Sorbents for Lithium-Ion Capture
The purpose of this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) was to develop and demonstrate new synthetic strategies for fabricating lithium-selective polymeric adsorbents by covalently incorporating crown ether functionalities into durable, processable support materials. These advanced sorbents are designed to selectively extract lithium ions (Li⁺) from dilute aqueous sources such as brine, seawater, industrial wastewater, and battery recycling streams.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Anion exchange membrane and methods of making and using the same
Anion exchange membrane and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, the anion exchange membrane may be made by a method that includes a two-step polymerization. In the first step, an α-olefin monomer containing a pendant halide, such as 8-bromo-1-octene, may be polymerized by Ziegler-Natta polymerization to form a first polymer portion, the first polymer portion being a homopolymer. In the second step, the polymerization is charged with a non-functionalized α-olefin monomer, such as ethylene, thereby forming a second polymer portion, the second polymer being a copolymer made up predominantly of the non-functionalized olefin monomer. If desired, a small amount of an α-olefin monomer containing a crosslinking functionality may be included in the first and/or second steps. Following the two-step polymerization, the polymer is fabricated into a thin film. Thereafter, the thin film may be functionalized by replacing the pendant halides with pendant cations.
Strasser, Derek J.↗
Artificial Intelligence and Multiscale Modeling for Sustainable Biopolymers and Bioinspired Materials
Abstract Biopolymers and bioinspired materials contribute to the construction of intricate hierarchical structures that exhibit advanced properties. The remarkable toughness and damage tolerance of such multilevel materials are conferred through the hierarchical assembly of their multiscale (i.e., atomistic to macroscale) components and architectures. Here, the functionality and mechanisms of biopolymers and bio‐inspired materials at multilength scales are explored and summarized, focusing on biopolymer nanofibril configurations, biocompatible synthetic biopolymers, and bio‐inspired composites. Their modeling methods with theoretical basis at multiple lengths and time scales are reviewed for biopolymer applications. Additionally, the exploration of artificial intelligence‐powered methodologies is emphasized to realize improvements in these biopolymers from functionality, biodegradability, and sustainability to their characterization, fabrication process, and superior designs. Ultimately, a promising future for these versatile materials in the manufacturing of advanced materials across wider applications and greater lifecycle impacts is foreseen.
Wang, Xing Quan [Department of Mechanical Engineer↗
Continuous Counter‐Current Microfluidic Liquid–Liquid Extraction Achieved Using a Pair of Wettable Screen Meshes
Continuous counter‐current microfluidic liquid–liquid extraction performs separations by flowing immiscible liquids in opposing directions within a single flow channel. In principle, this flow arrangement enables a large number of theoretical separation units in a small footprint, without using interstage valving, pumping, and phase separation. Despite its potential for excellent separation performance, this microfluidic scheme rarely appears in literature due to the requirement for capillary forces to be greater than hydrodynamic forces for stable flow. We present a novel microfluidic device and flow approaches that overcome this force‐balance challenge, enabling stable, long‐duration continuous counter‐current flow. Additionally, we cover a suite of methodologies for quantifying the performance of the microfluidic device, revealing the number of theoretical equilibrium stages achieved. The enabling technologies include a woven mesh screen‐based microfluidic device architecture that is easily fabricated outside of a clean room, surface functionalization strategies to promote conjugate (organic/aqueous) wettability, flow approaches to eliminate bubbles and carryover, and computer‐aided flow automation with optical measurement of extraction performance. The reported experiments lasted for over 36 h, terminated only at experiment conclusion, where the device still exhibited good performance. Automated Raman spectroscopy was used for solute quantitation of the ternary system tert‐butanol in a toluene/water matrix, a ternary system that was specifically chosen to analyze the device's performance with a small solute partition ratio and to enable in‐line Raman measurements of solute concentrations in both phases. The microfluidic device possessed a 55 mm contact length and a 38.5 µL internal volume. During counter‐current flow, we observed approximately 37 equilibrium stages (37 ± 13) based on a best‐fit of the solute fraction remaining in the aqueous phase using a Kremser Group Method analysis.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Toward Standardized Microscale Tensile Testing for Two‐Photon Polymerization‐Fabricated Materials in Liquid
Two-photon polymerization (TPP) enables the fabrication of intricate 3D microstructures with submicron precision, offering significant potential in biomedical applications like tissue engineering. In such applications, to print materials and structures with defined mechanics, it is crucial to understand how TPP printing parameters impact the material properties in a physiologically relevant liquid environment. Herein, an experimental approach utilizing microscale tensile testing (μTT) for the systematic measurement of TPP-fabricated microfibers submerged in liquid as a function of printing parameters is introduced. Using a diurethane dimethacrylate-based resin, the influence of printing parameters on microfiber geometry is first explored, demonstrating cross-sectional areas ranging from 1 to 36 μm 2 . Tensile testing reveals Young's moduli between 0.5 and 1.5 GPa and yield strengths from 10 to 60 MPa. The experimental data show an excellent fit with the Ogden hyperelastic polymer model, which enables a detailed analysis of how variations in writing speed, laser power, and printing path influence the mechanical properties of TPP microfibers. The μTT method is also showcased for evaluating multiple commercial resins and for performing cyclic loading experiments. Collectively, this study builds a foundation toward a standardized microscale tensile testing framework to characterize the mechanical properties of TPP printed structures.
mechanical characterization↗
Conjugated Metal–Organic Macrocycles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrical Conductivity
The dimensional reduction of solids into smaller fragments provides a route to achieve new physical properties and gain deeper insight into the extended parent structures. Here, we report the synthesis of CuTOTP-OR (TOTP n – = 2,3,6,7-tetraoxidotriphenylene), a family of copper-based macrocycles that resemble truncated fragments of the conductive 2D metal–organic framework Cu 3 (HHTP) 2 (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene). The planar metal–organic macrocycles self-assemble into ordered nanotubes with internal diameters of ~2 nm and short interlayer distances of ~3.20 Å. Strong π–π stacking interactions between macrocycles facilitate out-of-plane charge transport, and pressed pellet conductivities as high as 2(1)×10 -3 S cm -1 are observed. Peripheral alkyl functionalization enhances solution processability and enables the fabrication of thin-film field-effect transistor devices. Ambipolar charge transport is observed, suggesting similar behavior may be operative in Cu 3 (HHTP) 2 . By coupling the attractive features of metal–organic frameworks with greater processability, these macrocycles enable facile device integration and a more nuanced understanding of out-of-plane charge transport in 2D conductive metal–organic frameworks.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Co-templating of polyoxoniobates and silicate/germanate trimer-rings in crystals and inorganic gels
Polyoxometalate (POM) supramolecular gels are a growing family of materials, both for understanding fundamental self-assembly and fabricating flexible monolithic materials that retain the function of metal oxides. Here, we exploited the pH-dependent speciation of polyoxoniobates (PONbs), targeting the formation of PONb-containing supramolecular gels that contain other low molecular weight components (silicate, germanate, phosphate, and carbonate). The introduction of gaseous CO 2 into aqueous hexaniobate solutions resulted in the formation of both new crystalline phases and highly transparent gels. The crystalline phases, formulated Cs 24 [Nb 7 O 22 (NbO(CO 3 ) 2 ) 9 (Si 3 O 9 )]·19.6H 2 O and Cs 21 Na 3 [Nb 7 O 22 (NbO(CO 3 ) 2 ) 9 (Ge 3 O 9 )]·33.6H 2 O are templated by a rare planar [X 3 O 9 ] 6− (X = Si, Ge) ring. Crystalline phases were not obtained with phosphate; instead, the gels contain a mixture of phosphate-centred PONbs and network-forming phosphate. POM speciation within the gels, physical properties, and assembly mechanisms were benchmarked by solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopies, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and thermogravimetry-mass spectroscopy. Optical analysis and dielectric behavior of the gels confirmed that they are highly transparent ionic and electronic conductors. The alkali and hydroxide concentration controls the formation of crystalline materials or supramolecular gels while maintaining the same network building blocks, providing a rare opportunity to describe the molecular-level structure of inorganic amorphous materials.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Modeling the co-assembly of binary nanoparticles
Abstract In this work, we present a binary assembly model that can predict the co-assembly structure and spatial frequency spectra of monodispersed nanoparticles with two different particle sizes. The approach relies on an iterative algorithm based on geometric constraints, which can simulate the assembly patterns of particles with two distinct diameters, size distributions, and at various mixture ratios on a planar surface. The two-dimensional spatial-frequency spectra of the modeled assembles can be analyzed using fast Fourier transform analysis to examine their frequency content. The simulated co-assembly structures and spectra are compared with assembled nanoparticles fabricated using transfer coating method are in qualitative agreement with the experimental results. The co-assembly model can also be used to predict the peak spatial frequency and the full-width at half-maximum bandwidth, which can lead to the design of the structure spectra by selection of different monodispersed particles. This work can find applications in fabrication of non-periodic nanostructures for functional surfaces, light extraction structures, and broadband nanophotonics.
Mohanty, Saurav (ORCID:0009000302592855)↗
Microstructure development in a cold worked SRF Nb sheet undergoing 700°C-900°C/3h heat treatments.
Bulk Nb for TESLA shaped SRF cavities is a mature technology, with high gradient (>35 MV/m) and high Q cavities (>1010, ~2K) routinely fabricated. Significant advances are in order to push Q?s to 1011 (~2K), and involve modifications to the sub-surface Nb layers by impurity doping (N, O). In order to achieve the lowest surface resistance any trapped flux needs to be expelled for cavities to reach high Q?s. There is clear evidence that cavities fabricated from polycrystalline sheets meeting current specifications require higher temperatures beyond 800oC leads to better flux expulsion, and hence improves Q. Recently, cavities fabricated with a non-traditional Nb sheet with initial cold work due to cold rolling expelled flux better after 800°C/3h heat treatment than cavities fabricated using fine-grain polycrystalline Nb sheets. Here, we analyze the microstructure development in Nb from the vendor supplied cold work non-annealed sheet that was fabricated into an SRF cavity as a function of heat treatment building upon the methodology development to analyze microstructure being developed by the FSU-MSU-UT-Austin- JLAB collaboration. The results indicate correlation between full recrystallization and better flux expulsion.
Balachandran, S.↗