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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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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Improving the Thermomechanical Stability of High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells via Polymeric Nanofiber Reinforcement

We show that the mechanical stability of perovskite thin films can be increased by an order of magnitude by nanocompositing with polymeric nanofibers using a scalable method. We discuss the increase in fracture resistance energy, Gc, in the nanocomposite samples with respect to nanofiber orientation. We demonstrate this platform with commodity polymeric nanofibers including nylon-6,6 and polyvinyl alcohol. The fiber network reduces the mechanical fragility of the PSCs by increasing their fracture energy several-fold, while maintaining comparable morphology, chemical composition, and device efficiencies to pristine perovskite. Improved power conversion efficiency stability of the nanocomposites under accelerated aging conditions is demonstrated. This platform is a promising advance toward the commercial viability of PSCs.

Samoylov, Anton↗
DOE OSTI2023

Porous Polymeric Materials FY24 PDRD Final Report

Fillers and pore formers are used in many materials at Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) to fine tune density and stiffness. Current off-the-shelf options such as urea and Expancel do not always provide the desired properties. This project investigated several methods for introducing porosity in rigid polymers such as epoxy and polyurethane. This work was done at partnering universities to identify a variety of methods to create porous polymeric materials. The University of Oklahoma (OU) investigated emulsion templating of epoxy, where the epoxy is mixed with a surfactant and water to form an emulsion. The emulsion is then molded and cured. During the cure process, water droplets evaporate to form porous structures. Total porosity can be tuned by changing the concentration of water added to the polymer. The University of Kansas (KU) investigated the synthesis of phenolic microballoons by spray drying, as well as methods of incorporating removable porogens into epoxy and polyurethane materials to create polymeric foams.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Water Sorption Study of Various Polymers and Polymeric Composites

In the formulations of many composite materials, polymeric materials are often used as binder materials to enhance processability, functionality, and safety during manufacturing. For instance, poly(ester urethane), such as Estane® 5703, is used in the formulation of PBX 9501, and vinyl copolymer elastomer (VCE) is used in the formulation of VCE/filler compos ites. The stability of these binders directly impacts the overall stability and performance of their composites. Estane and VCE are prone to hydrolytic degradation, with water sorption behavior playing a significant role in their long-term stability and aging behavior. Hence, it is critical to study their water sorption behavior under various humidity and tempera ture conditions. To improve the accuracy and reduce labor-intensive work involved in water sorption experiments, an automated Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) system was employed, which can generate large datasets. To efficiently process and analyze these datasets, Python scripts were developed. These scripts not only streamlined data processing, but also accu rately derived the Arrhenius parameters related to water diffusion and sorption properties for the tested materials. This approach offers a robust framework for evaluating water trans port and sorption processes in polymeric materials and adds valuable capabilities to future water sorption testing efforts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Toward Thermally Stimuli-Responsive Polymeric Vesicles Fabricated by Block Copolymer Blends for Nanocarriers

Polymeric vesicles, characterized by enhanced colloidal stability, excellent mechanical properties, controllable surface functionality, and adjustable membrane thickness, are extremely useful in nano- and bio-technology for potential applications as nanosized carriers for drugs and enzymes. However, a few preparative steps are necessary to achieve a unilamellar vesicle with a narrow size distribution. Herein, we report the spontaneous formation of unilamellar polymeric vesicles with nanometer sizes (<50 nm), fabricated by simply mixing diblock copolymers (P(EO-AGE)(2K-2K) and P(EO-AGE)(0.75K-2K)) with differing hydrophilic mass fractions in aqueous solutions. Depending on the mixing ratio of block copolymers and the temperature, the block copolymer mixtures self-assemble into various nanostructures, such as spherical and cylindrical micelles, or vesicles. The self-assembled structures of the block copolymer mixtures were characterized by small-angle neutron scattering, resulting in a phase diagram drawn as a function of temperature and the mixing condition. Notably, the critical temperature for the micelle-to-vesicle phase transition can be easily controlled by altering the mixing conditions; it decreases with an increase in the concentration of one of the block copolymers.

block copolymers↗
DOE OSTI2018

Deformation Behavior of Foam Laser Targets Fabricated by Two-Photon Polymerization

Two-photon polymerization (2PP), which is a three-dimensional micro/nano-scale additive manufacturing process, is used to fabricate component for small custom experimental packages (“targets”) to support laser-driven, high-energy-density physics research. Of particular interest is the use of 2PP to deterministically print millimeter-scale, low-density, and low atomic number (CHO) polymer matrices (“foams”). Deformation during development and drying of the foam structures remains a challenge when using certain commercial acrylic photo-resins. Acrylic resins were chosen in order to meet the low atomic number requirement for the foam; that requirement precludes the use of low-shrinkage organic/inorganic hybrid resins. Here, we compare the use of acrylic resins IP-S and IP-Dip. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy are used to quantify the extent of the polymerization during 2PP vs. UV curing. The mechanical strength of beam and foam structures is examined, particularly the degree of deformation that occurs during the development and drying processes. The magnitude of the shrinkage is quantified, and finite element analysis is used in order to simulate the resulting deformation. Capillary drying forces during development are shown to be small and are likely below the elastic limit of the foam log-pile structures. In contrast, the substantial shrinkage in IP-Dip (~5–10%) causes large shear stresses and associated plastic deformation, particularly near constrained boundaries and locations with sharp density transitions. Use of IP-S with an improved writing procedure results in a marked reduction in deformation with a minor loss of resolution.

Liu, Ying↗
DOE OSTI2019

Topological Methods for Polymeric Materials: Characterizing the Relationship Between Polymer Entanglement and Viscoelasticity

We develop topological methods for characterizing the relationship between polymer chain entanglement and bulk viscoelastic responses. We introduce generalized Linking Number and Writhe characteristics that are applicable to open linear chains. We investigate the rheology of polymeric chains entangled into weaves with varying topologies and levels of chain density. To investigate viscoelastic responses, we perform non-equilibrium molecular simulations over a range of frequencies using sheared Lees–Edwards boundary conditions. We show how our topological characteristics can be used to capture key features of the polymer entanglements related to the viscoelastic responses. We find there is a linear relation over a significant range of frequencies between the mean absolute Writhe W r and the Loss Tangent tan ( δ ) . We also find an approximate inverse linear relationship between the mean absolute Periodic Linking Number L K P and the Loss Tangent tan ( δ ) . Our results show some of the ways topological methods can be used to characterize chain entanglements to better understand the origins of mechanical responses in polymeric materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Self-Doped Conjugated Polymeric Binders Improve the Capacity and Mechanical Properties of V 2 O 5 Cathodes

Polymeric binders serve to stabilize the morphology of electrodes by providing adhesion and binding between the various components. Successful binders must serve multiple functions simultaneously, including providing strong adhesion, improving conductivity, and providing electrochemical stability. A tradeoff between mechanical integrity and electrochemical performance in binders for lithium-ion batteries is one of the many challenges of improving capacity and performance. In this paper, we demonstrate a self-doped conjugated polymer, poly(9,9-bis(4'-sulfonatobutyl)fluorene-alt-co-1,4-phenylene) (PFP), which not only provides mechanical robustness but also improves electrode stability at temperatures as high as 450 °C. The self-doped PFP polymer is comprised of a conjugated polyfluorene backbone with sulfonate terminated side-chains that serve to dope the conjugated polymer backbone, resulting in stable conductivity. Composite electrodes are prepared by blending PFP with V 2 O 5 in water, followed by casting and drying. Structural characterization with X-ray diffraction and wide-angle X-ray scattering shows that PFP suppresses the crystallization of V 2 O 5 at high temperatures (up to 450 °C), resulting in improved electrode stability during cycling and improved rate performance. This study demonstrates the potential of self-doped conjugated polymers for use as polymeric binders to enhance mechanical, structural, and electrochemical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Molecular Layer Deposition of Crosslinked Polymeric Lithicone for Superior Lithium Metal Anodes

In this work, we for the first time developed a novel lithium-containing crosslinked polymeric material, a lithicone that enables excellent protection effects over lithium (Li) metal anodes. This new lithicone was synthesized via an accurately controllable molecular layer deposition (MLD) process, in which lithium tert -butoxide (LTB) and glycerol (GL) were used as precursors. The resultant LiGL lithicone was analyzed using a suite of characterizations. Furthermore, we found that the LiGL thichicone could serve as an exceptional polymeric protection film over Li metal anodes. Our experimental data revealed that the Li electrodes coated by this LiGL lithicone can achieve a superior cycling stability, accounting for an extremely long cyclability of >13,600 Li-stripping/plating cycles and having no failures so far in Li/Li symmetric cells at a current density of 5 mA/cm 2 and an areal capacity of 1 mAh/cm 2 . We found that, with a sufficient protection by this LiGL coating, Li electrodes could realize long-term stable cyclability with little formation of Li dendrites and solid electrolyte interphase. This novel LiGL represents a facile and effective solution to the existing issues of Li anodes and potentially paves a technically feasible route for lithium metal batteries.

Meng, Xiangbo↗
NASA NTRS1970

Polymerization of perfluorobutadiene

Diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate dissolved in liquid perfluorobutadiene is conducted in a sealed vessel at the autogenous pressure of polymerization. Reaction temperature, ratio of catalyst to monomer, and amount of agitation determine degree of polymerization and product yield.

Newman, J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Polymeric coatings using electronic excitation

Process has been developed for glow discharge polymerization which is accomplished in inert atmosphere by using vacuum chamber. Polymeric coating, in this type of environment, produces high molecular weight coating polymers that have good stability and are resistant to abrasions and solvents.

Lee, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Morphology of poly-p-xylylene crystallized during polymerization.

The morphology of as-polymerized poly-p-xylylene grown between -17 and 30 C is found to consist of lame llar alpha crystals oriented with the (010) plane parallel to the support surface. The crystallinity decreases with decreasing polymerization temperature. Spherulitic and nonspherulitic portions of the polymer film consist of folded chain lamellas with the chain axis parallel to the support surface. The results were obtained by small- and wide-angle X-ray measurements, electron and optical microscopy, and differential thermal analysis.

Kubo, S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Technique for the polymerization of monomers for PPQ/graphite fiber composites

Impregnation of fiber prior to appreciable polymerization completely eliminates impregnation problems encountered with use of high viscosity high molecular weight polyphenylquinoxalines (PPQ) solutions. Major part of polymerization of reactant mixture is conducted on fiber during solvent removal and final curing stages.

Serafini, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1973

In situ polymerization of monomers for polyphenylquinoxaline/graphite

Methods currently used to prepare fiber reinforced, high temperature resistant polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) composites employ extremely viscous, low solids content solutions of high molecular weight PPQ polymers. An improved approach, described in this report, consists of impregnating the fiber with a solution of the appropriate monomers instead of a solution of previously synthesized high molecular weight polymer. Polymerization of the monomers occurs in situ on the fiber during the solvent removal and curing stages. The in situ polymerization approach greatly simplifies the fabrication of PPQ graphite fiber composites. The use of low viscosity monomeric type solutions facilitates fiber wetting, permits a high solids content, and eliminates the need for prior polymer synthesis.

Serafini, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Evaporation rate and vapor pressure of selected polymeric lubricating oils.

A recently developed ultrahigh-vacuum quartz spring mass sorption microbalance has been utilized to measure the evaporation rates of several low-volatility polymeric lubricating oils at various temperatures. The evaporation rates are used to calculate the vapor pressures by the Langmuir equation. A method is presented to accurately estimate extended temperature range evaporation rate and vapor pressure data for polymeric oils, incorporating appropriate corrections for the increases in molecular weight and the change in volatility of the progressively evaporating polymer fractions. The logarithms of the calculated data appear to follow linear relationships within the test temperature ranges, when plotted versus 1000/T. These functions and the observed effusion characteristics of the fluids on progressive volatilization are useful in estimating evaporation rate and vapor pressure changes on evaporative depletion.

Gardos, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Solid state polymerization and crystallography of polyimide precursors

Although the production of crystallinity in a polymeric system has historically led to commerically useful properties, the polyimides, prized for their high temperature characteristics, as customarily synthesized by melt or solution casting, are amorphous. It is shown that polymide containing residual crystallinity can be synthesized by isothermal annealing of crystals of the salt of the diisopropyl ester of pyromellitic acid and phenylene diamine. The reaction is topochemical in that the geometry of the polymer product is dependent upon that of the crystalline precursor. Infrared spectroscopy reveals the presence of imide absorption in the polymer, while powder diffractometry suggests residual crystallinity. Single crystal X-ray analysis of the monomer yields a structure of chains of alternating acid and base suggesting that the monomer is amenable to polymerization with a minimum of geometrical disruption.

Wakelyn, N. T.↗
NASA NTRS1974

In situ polymerization of monomers for polyphenylquinoxaline/graphite fiber composites

Methods currently used to prepare fiber reinforced, high temperature resistant polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) composites employ extremely viscous, low solids content solutions of high molecular weight PPQ polymers. An improved approach, described in this report, consists of impregnating the fiber with a solution of the appropriate monomers instead of a solution of previously synthesized high molecular weight polymer. Polymerization of the monomers occurs in situ on the fiber during the solvent removal and curing stages. The in situ polymerization approach greatly simplifies the fabrication of PPQ graphite fiber composites. The use of low viscosity monomeric type solutions facilitates fiber wetting, permits a high solids content, and eliminates the need for prior polymer synthesis.

Serafini, T. T.↗