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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanism of shape symmetry breaking in surfactant-mediated crystal growth

We present a dynamical model of crystal growth, in which it is possible to reliably achieve asymmetric products, beginning from symmetric initial conditions and growing within an isotropic environment. The asymmetric growth is the result of a positive feedback mechanism that amplifies the effect of thermal fluctuations in the coverage of surfactants on the growing crystalline facets. Within our simple model, we are able to understand the kinetic and thermodynamic factors involved in both the onset of symmetry breaking and the persistence of anisotropic growth. We demonstrate that the mechanism is general by studying models with increasing complexity. We argue that this mechanism of symmetry breaking underpins observations of colloidal, seed-mediated syntheses of single crystalline metal nanorods capped with strongly interacting surfactants. The parameters within our model are related to experimental observables such as the concentration, hydrophobicity, and binding strength of the surfactants, which suggests a potential route to optimize the yield of asymmetric products in colloidal nanoparticle syntheses.

Oaks-Leaf, Sam↗
DOE OSTI2025

Skyrmion-skyrmionium phase separation and laning transitions via spin-orbit torque currents

Many driven binary systems can exhibit laning transitions when the two species have different mobilities, such as colloidal particles with opposite charges in electric fields. Another example is pedestrian or active-matter systems, where particles moving in opposite directions form a phase-separated state that enhances the overall mobility. In this work, we use atomistic simulations to demonstrate that mixtures of skyrmions and skyrmioniums also exhibit pattern formation and laning transitions. Skyrmions move more slowly and at a finite skyrmion Hall angle compared to skyrmioniums, which move faster and without a skyrmion Hall effect. At low drives, the system forms a partially jammed phase where the skyrmioniums are dragged by the surrounding skyrmions, resulting in a finite angle of motion for the skyrmioniums. At higher drives, the system transitions into a laned state, but unlike colloidal systems, the lanes in the skyrmion-skyrmionium mixture are tilted relative to the driving direction due to the intrinsic skyrmion Hall angle. In the laned state, the skyrmionium angle of motion is reversed when it aligns with the tilted lane structure. At even higher drives, the skyrmioniums collapse into skyrmions. Below a critical skyrmion density, both textures can move independently with few collisions, but above this density, the laning state disappears entirely, and the system transitions to a skyrmion-only state. We map out the velocity and Hall responses of the different textures and identify three distinct phases: partially jammed, laned, and skyrmion-only moving crystal states. In conclusion, we compare our results to recent observations of tilted laning phases in pedestrian flows, where chiral symmetry breaking in the particle interactions leads to similar behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Ordered and disordered skyrmion states on a square substrate

We examine the ordering of skyrmions interacting with a square substrate created from a modulation of anisotropy using atomistic simulations. We consider fillings of ƒ = 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 skyrmions per potential minimum as a function of magnetic field and sample size. For a filling of ƒ = 2.0, we find various dimer orderings, such as tilted dimer states, as well as antiferromagnetic ordering that is similar to the colloidal dimer ordering seen on square substrates. Furthermore, the ability of the skyrmions to change shape or annihilate produces additional states that do not occur in the colloidal systems. For certain parameters at ƒ = 2.0, half of the skyrmions can annihilate to form a square lattice, or a superlattice of trimers and monomers containing skyrmions of different sizes can form. At lower fields, ordered stretched skyrmion states can appear, and for zero field, there can be ordered stripe states. For ƒ = 3.0, we find ferromagnetic ordered trimers, tilted lattices, columnar lattices, and stretched phases. For fillings of ƒ = 1.5 and 2.5, we find bipartite lattices, different ordered and disordered states, and several extended disordered regions produced by frustration effects.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mesoscale fractal whey protein particles derived from microscale linear-shaped protein assemblies (Part 1): Manufacturing method and particle characteristics

Whey protein isolates (WPI) are widely used in processed foods for their versatile functional properties. Modifying the structural properties of proteins by assembling them into mesoscale or microscale particles may improve their functionality and broaden their applications. This study aims to manufacture and characterize mesoscale whey protein particles (WPP) derived from WPI. Two types of WPP, WPP1 (0.05 mL/min) and WPP2 (0.25 mL/min), were prepared through a multistep approach involving liquid antisolvent (LAS) precipitation, heat treatment, and microfluidization. Liquid antisolvent precipitation was performed by injecting a 20% (wt/vol) WPI dispersion (pH 7) into an ethanol-glycerol mixture (75:25, vol/vol) under laminar flow, followed by heat treatment at 80°C for 20 min as a particle hardening step. This process produced stable fiber- and ribbon-shaped whey protein assemblies (WPA), which served as precursors to WPP. Subsequent microfluidization (150 MPa, 6 passages) reduced the size of WPA, yielding mesoscale WPP with irregular morphologies and a more uniform size distribution, as revealed by microscopy and dynamic light scattering. ζ-Potential and fluorescence labeling indicated higher surface charge and surface hydrophobicity of WPP compared with untreated WPI. The WPP showed internal mass fractal and surface fractal structures at larger length scales, analyzed using small-angle X-ray scattering. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated an increased fraction of intermolecular β-sheets in WPP, suggesting that hydrogen bonding contributed to their formation. Gel electrophoresis confirmed that disulfide bonds served as the primary cross-links stabilizing the WPP structure. Furthermore, turbidity measurements showed that WPP exhibited superior colloidal phase stability compared with untreated WPI and maintained high colloidal stability under both acidic and neutral pH conditions.

Antisolvent precipitation↗
DOE OSTI2025

Time-resolved probing of laser-induced nanostructuring processes in liquids

Laser synthesis and processing of colloids (LSPC) in liquids has gained widespread applications in producing nanomaterials of different classes of solids. While the technical processes in different cases of ablation, fragmentation or colloidal fusion may look macroscopically different in each application, the underlying fundamental mechanisms are always the same cascade of laser interaction with matter, non-thermal or thermal energy deposition, phase transitions, and the subsequent structure formation processes. Disentangling these mechanisms represents a veritable challenge, as ultrafast and structurally sensitive experimental methods are required. This review presents a discussion of how state-of-the-art experimental protocols using ultrafast lasers and sensitive structural probes, such as electrons or X-rays are able to address this challenge. In particular, it is possible to investigate LSPC on single objects using single probe pulses and avoid accumulation effects in a heterogeneous sample. The presented results capture structure formation with femtosecond and atomic scale resolution. Ultrafast time-resolved probing approaches are key to revealing the transient states and pathways that govern material transformation in LSPC.

X-ray scattering↗
NASA NTRS1967

A ceramic composite thermal insulation

Ceramic composite thermal insulation comprised of alumina-silica fibers, pigmentary potassium titanate, and asbestos fibers, bonded with a colloidal silica sol has improved insulating capabilities to both radiant and convective heat. Gelation of the colloidal silica sol prevents binder migration.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1969

Corrosion reduction of aluminum alloys in flowing high-temperature water

Report describes a technique for reducing the corrosion rate of aluminum by adding colloidal substances in a closed-loop system. Experimental work shows that the addition of graphite and colloidal hydrated aluminum oxide significantly reduces the corrosion rate in flowing high-temperature water.

Draley, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Ion sources for electric propulsion

Ion systems, which accelerate ions of Cs, Hg, or colloid particles by electrostatic fields, are furthest advanced and ready for application. Four kinds of ion sources have been developed: The contact ionization source for Cs as propellants, the electron bombardment source for Cs or Hg, the RF ionization source for Hg, and the hollow needle spray nozzle for colloidal glycerol particles. In each case, the ion beam must be neutralized by injection of electrons shortly behind the exit orifice to avoid adverse space charge effects.

Stuhlinger, E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Extraction of an urease-active organo-complex from soil.

Description of an extraction from a Dublin clay loam soil of a colloidal organic matter complex that is urease active and, by X-ray analysis, free of clays. Urease activity in the clay-free precipitates, as in the soil, was not destroyed by the activity of an added proteolytic enzyme, pronase. This is attributed to the circumstance that native soil urease resides in organic colloidal particles with pores large enough for water, urea, ammonia, and carbon dioxide to pass freely, but nevertheless small enough to exclude pronase.

Burns, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

"Densified" tiles form stronger bonds

Application of colloidal silica more than doubles bond strength of ceramic tile/substrate attachments. "Densification" process strengthens surface where tile attaches to felt strain-isolator pad, redistributing stresses and preventing failures at that point. First, isopropyl alcohol is applied to bottom tile surface. Second, aqueous mixture of cementing colloidal silica and reinforcing ball-milled silica particles is painted on tile. Finally, after drying, tile is rewaterproofed by exposure to vapors or methyltrimethoxysilane and acetic acid.

Dotts, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The role of water in slip casting

Slips and casting are considered in terms of physical and colloidal chemistry. Casting slips are polydisperse suspensions of lyophobic particles in water, whose degree of coagulation is controlled by interaction of flocculating and deflocculating agents. Slip casting rate and viscosity are functions of temperature. Slip rheology and response to deflocculating agents varies significantly as the kinds and amounts of colloid modifiers change. Water is considered as a raw material. Various concepts of water/clay interactions and structures are discussed. Casting is a de-watering operation in which water moves from slip to cast to mold in response to a potential energy termed moisture stress. Drying is an evaporative process from a free water surface.

Mccauley, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Transcapillary fluid shifts in tissues of the head and neck during and after simulated microgravity

To understand the mechanism, magnitude, and time course of facial puffiness that occurs in microgravity, seven male subjects were tilted 6 degrees head down for 8 hr, and all four Starling transcapillary pressures were directly measured before, during , and after tilt. Head-down tilt (HDT) caused facial edema and a significant elevation of microvascular pressures measured in the lower lip. Subcutaneous and intramuscular interstitial fluid pressures in the neck also increased as a result of HDT, while interstitial fluid colloid osmotic pressures remained unchanged. Plasma colloid osmotic pressures dropped significantly after 4 hr of HDT, suggesting a transition from fluid filtration to absorption in capillary beds between the heart and feet during HDT. After 4 hr of seated recovery from HDT, microvascular pressures remained significantly elevated by 5 to 8 mm Hg above baseline values despite a significant HDT diuresis and the orthostatic challenge of an upright, seated posture. During the control (baseline) period, urine output was 46.7 ml/hr; during HDT, it was 126.5 ml/hr.

Hargens, A. R.↗
NASA NTRS1919

Airplane dopes and doping

Cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate are the important constituents of airplane dopes in use at the present time, but planes were treated with other materials in the experimental stages of flying. The above compounds belong to the class of colloids and are of value because they produce a shrinking action on the fabric when drying out of solution, rendering it drum tight. Other colloids possessing the same property have been proposed and tried. In the first stages of the development of dope, however, shrinkage was not considered. The fabric was treated merely to render it waterproof. The first airplanes constructed were covered with cotton fabric stretched as tightly as possible over the winds, fuselage, etc., and flying was possible only in fine weather. The necessity of an airplane which would fly under all weather conditions at once became apparent. Then followed experiments with rubberized fabrics, fabrics treated with glue rendered insoluble by formaldehyde or bichromate, fabrics treated with drying and nondrying oils, shellac, casein, etc. It was found that fabrics treated as above lost their tension in damp weather, and the oil from the motor penetrated the proofing material and weakened the fabric. For the most part the film of material lacked durability. Cellulose nitrate lacquers, however were found to be more satisfactory under varying weather conditions, added less weight to the planes, and were easily applied. On the other hand, they were highly inflammable, and oil from the motor penetrated the film of cellulose nitrate, causing the tension of the fabric to be relaxed.

PROTECTIVE COATINGS AND COVERINGS↗
NASA NTRS1994

Electrokinetic transport of heterogeneous particles in suspension

The Smoluchowski equation for electrophoresis predicts that the electrophoretic velocity of a particle is proportional to its zeta potential but not its size, shape, or orientation. Furthermore, the equation predicts that the rotation rate is identically zero. The Smoluchowski equation fails for heterogeneous particles (i.e., those with nonuniform zeta potentials). Recent theories and experiments show that particles with a dipole moment of zeta potential rotate into alignment with an externally applied electric field. For doublets (particles composed of two spheres) the rotation rate depends on (1) whether the spheres are rigidly rocked or freely rotating, and (2) the gap distance between the spheres. The relative configuration of two coagulated spheres is determined by the colloidal forces of the system. The goal of our research is to use measurements of electrophoretic rotation to determine the gap between two spheres of a colloidal doublet and also to determine whether or not the doublet is rigid.

Velegol, D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Rarefied solids

One important limit to creating low density materials is the objects' own weight. As a solid or colloidal matrix becomes more rarefied, gravity acts destructively to compress its suporting skeleton. We describe experimental results and propose a model which matches the low gravity behavior of rarefied or fractal solids. On parabolic airplane flights, we sought to demonstrate a key component of producing higher surface area fractals. Flight paths were selected to give a range of gravity levels: 0.01 g/g(sub 0) (low), 0.16 g(sub 0) (Lunar), 0.33 g/g(sub 0) (Martian), 1 g/g(sub 0) (Earth) and 1.8 g/g(sub 0) (high) (where g(sub 0) = 980 cm/sq s). Results using the model material of hydrophobic silica indicated that stable agglomeration of such tenuous objects can increase markedly in reduced gravity. Optical characterization revealed that fractal dimension changed directly with varying gravity. As measured by fractal dimension, effective surface area and roughness increased by 40% in low gravity. This finding supports the conclusion that relieving internal weight stresses on delicate aggregates can enhance their overall size (by two orders of magnitude) and internal surface area. We conclude that gravitational restructuring limits the overall size and void content of low-density solids. These sparse colloidal regimes may present new and technologically attractive physics, ranging from improved insulators, liquid-like tension in a 'solid' matrix, and characteristically low conductivities for sound and (8 to 14 micrometers wavelength) infrared radiation.

Noever, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Evaluation of Thermal Control Coatings for Flexible Ceramic Thermal Protection Systems

This report summarizes the evaluation and testing of high emissivity protective coatings applied to flexible insulations for the Reusable Launch Vehicle technology program. Ceramic coatings were evaluated for their thermal properties, durability, and potential for reuse. One of the major goals was to determine the mechanism by which these coated blanket surfaces become brittle and try to modify the coatings to reduce or eliminate embrittlement. Coatings were prepared from colloidal silica with a small percentage of either SiC or SiB6 as the emissivity agent. These coatings are referred to as gray C-9 and protective ceramic coating (PCC), respectively. The colloidal solutions were either brushed or sprayed onto advanced flexible reusable surface insulation blankets. The blankets were instrumented with thermocouples and exposed to reentry heating conditions in the Ames Aeroheating Arc Jet Facility. Post-test samples were then characterized through impact testing, emissivity measurements, chemical analysis, and observation of changes in surface morphology. The results show that both coatings performed well in arc jet tests with backface temperatures slightly lower for the PCC coating than with gray C-9. Impact testing showed that the least extensive surface destruction was experienced on blankets with lower areal density coatings.

Kourtides, Demetrius↗
NASA NTRS1995

Interactions in Undersaturated and Supersaturated Lysozyme Solutions: Static and Dynamic Light Scattering Results

We have performed multiangle static and dynamic light scattering studies of lysozyme solutions at pH=4.7. The Rayleigh ratio R(sub g) and the collective diffusion coefficient D(sub c) were determined as function of both protein concentration c(sub p) and salt concentration c(sub s) with two different salts. At low salt concentrations, the scattering ratio K(sub c)(sub p)/R(sub theta) and diffusivity increased with protein concentration above the values for a monomeric, ideal solution. With increasing salt concentration this trend was eventually reversed. The hydrodynamic interactions of lysozyme in solution, extracted from the combination of static and dynamic scattering data, decreased significantly with increasing salt concentration. These observations reflect changes in protein interactions, in response to increased salt screening, from net repulsion to net attraction. Both salts had the same qualitative effect, but the quantitative behavior did not scale with the ionic strength of the solution. This indicates the presence of salt specific effects. At low protein concentrations, the slopes of K(sub c)(sub p)/R(sub theta) and D(sub c) vs c(sub p) were obtained. The dependence of the slopes on ionic strength was modeled using a DLVO potential for colloidal interactions of two spheres, with the net protein charge Z(sub e) and Hamaker constant A(sub H) as fitting parameters. The model reproduces the observed variations with ionic strength quite well. Independent fits to the static and dynamic data, however, led to different values of the fitting parameters. These and other shortcomings suggest that colloidal interaction models alone are insufficient to explain protein interactions in solutions.

Muschol, Martin↗
NASA NTRS1997

Annealing Effects on the Surface Plasmon of MgO Implanted with Gold

Gold ion implantation was carried out with the energy of 1.1 MeV into (100) oriented MgO single crystal. Implanted doses are 1, 3, 6, 10 x 10(exp 16) ions/sq cm. The gold irradiation results in the formation of gold ion implanted layer with a thickness of 0.2 microns and defect formation. In order to form gold colloids from the as-implanted samples, we annealed the gold implanted MgO samples in three kinds of atmospheres: (1)Ar only, (2)H2 and Ar, and (3)O2 and Ar. The annealing over 1200 C enhanced the gold colloid formation which shows surface plasmon resonance band of gold. The surface plasmon bands of samples annealed in three kinds of atmospheres were found to be at 535 nm (Ar only), 524 nm(H2+Ar), and 560 nm (02+Ar), The band positions of surface plasmon can be reversibly changed by an additional annealing.

Ueda, A.↗