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At least 505 records · Page 28

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DOE OSTI2025

Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Grown on Copper Foil as Electrodes for Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors

This study reports a binder-free, catalyst-free method for fabricating vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) directly on copper (Cu) foil using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) for electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) applications. This approach eliminates the need for catalyst layers, polymeric binders, or substrate pre-treatments, simplifying electrode design and enhancing electrical integration. The resulting VACNTs form a dense, uniform, and porous array with strong adhesion to the Cu substrate, minimizing contact resistance and improving conductivity. Electrochemical analysis shows gravimetric specific capacitance (C grav ) and areal specific capacitance (C areal ) of 8 F g −1 and 3.5 mF cm −2 at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, with low equivalent series resistance (3.70 Ω) and charge transfer resistance (0.48 Ω), enabling efficient electron transport and rapid ion diffusion. The electrode demonstrates excellent rate capability and retains 92% of its initial specific capacitance after 3000 charge–discharge cycles, indicating strong cycling stability. These results demonstrate the potential of directly grown VACNT-based electrodes for high-performance EDLCs, particularly in applications requiring rapid charge–discharge cycles and sustained energy delivery.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2026

In Vitro Selection of Antibodies Targeting Yersinia pestis Membrane Lipids Using Nanodisc-Based Antigen Presentation

Proteins are the most common targets for antibody discovery and vaccine development, but their sequence variability can limit the breadth of resulting antigens. Lipids represent an alternative class of antigens due to their structural conservation and roles in host–pathogen interactions. Here, we describe the development and optimization of an in vitro antibody selection workflow using lipid-containing nanodiscs as antigen presentation platforms to enable phage and yeast display selections under conditions adapted for these non-protein targets. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) nanodiscs were first used as a model system to evaluate selection strategies, including competitive and subtractive approaches to reduce non-specific binders, yielding peptide and single-chain variable fragment (scFv) binders that were affinity matured to improve binding signals. The same approach was subsequently used to select scFv antibodies that recognize lipid nanodiscs prepared from Yersinia pestis membrane lipid extracts. These antibodies show binding to lipid nanodiscs derived from Y. pestis, with evidence of selectivity relative to control nanodiscs. Overall, this work establishes a workflow for antibody selection against lipid-containing nanodisc antigens and highlights practical considerations associated with these targets. The approach may be useful for generating affinity reagents to membrane-associated lipids, although further characterization is required to define antigen specificity and functional activity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Viscosity Analysis of Battery Electrode Slurry

We report the effects of component ratios and mixing time on electrode slurry viscosity. Three component quantities were varied: active material (graphite), conductive material (carbon black), and polymer binder (carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC). The slurries demonstrated shear-thinning behavior, and suspension properties stabilized after a relatively short mixing duration. However, micrographs of the slurries suggested their internal structures did not stabilize after the same mixing time. Increasing the content of polymer binder CMC caused the greatest viscosity increase compared to that of carbon black and graphite.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Development and Characterization of a Sustainable Bio-Polymer Concrete with a Low Carbon Footprint

Polymer concrete (PC) has been used to replace cement concrete when harsh service conditions exist. Polymers have a high carbon footprint when considering their life cycle analysis, and with increased climate change concerns and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emission, bio-based polymers could be used as a sustainable alternative binder to produce PC. This paper examines the development and characterization of a novel bio-polymer concrete (BPC) using bio-based polyurethane used as the binder in lieu of cement, modified with benzoic acid and carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The mechanical performance, durability, microstructure, and chemical properties of BPC are investigated. Moreover, the effect of the addition of benzoic acid and MWCNTs on the properties of BPC is studied. The new BPC shows relatively low density, appreciable compressive strength between 20–30 MPa, good tensile strength of 4 MPa, and excellent durability resistance against aggressive environments. The new BPC has a low carbon footprint, 50% lower than ordinary Portland cement concrete, and can provide a sustainable concrete alternative in infrastructural applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Aggregating in vitro-grown adipocytes to produce macroscale cell-cultured fat tissue with tunable lipid compositions for food applications

We present a method of producing bulk cell-cultured fat tissue for food applications. Mass transport limitations (nutrients, oxygen, waste diffusion) of macroscale 3D tissue culture are circumvented by initially culturing murine or porcine adipocytes in 2D, after which bulk fat tissue is produced by mechanically harvesting and aggregating the lipid-filled adipocytes into 3D constructs using alginate or transglutaminase binders. The 3D fat tissues were visually similar to fat tissue harvested from animals, with matching textures based on uniaxial compression tests. The mechanical properties of cultured fat tissues were based on binder choice and concentration, and changes in the fatty acid compositions of cellular triacylglyceride and phospholipids were observed after lipid supplementation (soybean oil) during in vitro culture. This approach of aggregating individual adipocytes into a bulk 3D tissue provides a scalable and versatile strategy to produce cultured fat tissue for food-related applications, thereby addressing a key obstacle in cultivated meat production.

Yuen Jr, John Se Kit (ORCID:0000000198541654)↗

NASA NTRS1972

Five year magnetic tape for unattended satellite tape recorders

The development and fabrication of a quantity of long life magnetic tape with properties selected specifically for unattended operation in spacecraft tape recorders was studied. A detailed analytical consideration of various binder systems was undertaken. This included the chemical aspects of the binders, cohesion and adhesion effects, stability and the mechanical and physical properties. The ability to form free films of these polymers and their combination with various oxide loadings and other additives allowed a rapid selection of four polymer candidates for a five year magnetic tape. Samples were evaluated under actual running conditions which included physical, magnetic, and extensive life testing. These sample tapes withstood 50,000 bidirectional tape passes under fairly harsh operating conditions.

Benn, G. S. L.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Ultraviolet reflective coating

Composition consists of dispersion of barium sulphate in aqueous solution of water-soluble inorganic binder. Binder is selected from group consisting of alkali metal sulphates. Coating exhibits high reflectance of ultraviolet light to wavelengths of approximately 200.0 nm, which compares favorably with high reflectance of virgin barium sulphate power.

Schutt, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Formulation procedure and spectral data for a coatings system optimally employing the high intrinsic reflectance of barium sulphate

The use of polyvinyl alcohol as a binder for barium sulphate does not allow the intrinsically high reflectance of this material in the near vacuum ultraviolet to be optimally employed. In an effort to better utilize this property, completely inorganic coatings systems are described, where from the intrinsically high reflectance of barium sulphate in this spectral region can be gotten. Potassium sulphate turns out to be the preferred binder. Compositions, formulating procedures, and application techniques are included. For completeness, absolute and relative reflectance data are included for intra- and intersystem comparisons.

Schutt, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1972

CMB-13 research on carbon and graphite

Research and development are reported on phenolic resin binders, coke flour, binder soaking, hot molding glass-like carbons, and particle packing.

Smith, M. C.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Friction and wear of carbon-graphite materials for high energy brakes

Caliper-type brakes simulation experiments were conducted on seven different carbon-graphite material formulations against a steel disk material and against a carbon-graphite disk material. The effects of binder level, boron carbide (B4C) additions, graphite fiber additions, and graphite cloth reinforcement on friction and wear behavior were investigated. Reductions in binder level and additions of B4C each resulted in increased wear. The wear rate was not affected by the addition of graphite fibers. Transition to severe wear and high friction was observed in the case of graphite-cloth-reinforced carbon sliding against a disk of similar composition. This transition was related to the disruption of a continuous graphite shear film that must form on the sliding surfaces if low wear is to occur. The exposure of the fiber structure of the cloth constituent is believed to play a role in the shear film disruption.

Bill, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Study of the thermal degradation mechanism of a composite propellant

The current experimental program was designed to systematically investigate the role of the oxidizer in the thermal degradation process of composite propellants. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the failure sites in thermally degraded propellant samples. The formulation variables tested were oxidizer purity, oxidizer particle size, and oxidizer to binder bonding agent. The binder, a saturated hydrocarbon, was kept constant throughout the experiments. The oxidizers were: AP, chlorate-doped AP, arsenate-doped AP, and phosphate-doped AP. The oxidizer particle size distribution was 60% of the large fraction and 40% of the small fraction. The bonding agent, when present, was used at the 0.15% level. The data showed that both the oxidizer purity and particle size had an important affect on the thermal degradation process. The affect of the oxidizer particle size was more noticeable at the higher temperature and stress levels. An examination of the failure site, by SEM, of propellants subject to these latter conditions indicated that the fracturing of the large oxidizer particles led to the propellant cracking.

Schmidt, W. G.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Development of space stable thermal control coatings for use on large space vehicles

The development of a large scale manufacturing method for the production of a stable zinc orthotitanate pigment by means of an oxalate co-precipitation method is examined. Pigments were prepared at various temperatures, and major emphasis was placed on the determination of the important parameters of post-precipitation firing and treatment. A large-scale process for the modification of a glass resin binder was developed and paints were formulated using the binder.

Gilligan, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

An evaluation of dry film lubricants and substrate materials for use on SSME gimbal bearings

Failure of the spherical bearing shaft of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) gimbal bearing assembly was encountered during Design Verification Specification testing of the full scale engine. Investigation revealed that the failure was caused by a deficiency in the lubrication system. Based upon the materials and gimbal operating conditions, a lubricant of MoS2 and graphite with a ceramic binder was the best lubricant candidate for this particular application; however, the decision to implement the change was not made without verification testing. Scaled down simulation testing was performed. Four different substrate materials and eight different dry film lubricants were subjected to tests under simulated SSME environmental and stress load conditions. The test specimens were evaluated for friction and operating life. Each test specimen was subjected to cyclic operation under load until failure. The force required to move the bearing surfaces relative to each other was monitored throughout the test, thus providing analytical data for derivation of the coefficient of friction. Results indicate that the MoS2/graphite lubricant with ceramic binder proved to be superior from the standpoint of endurance and also from the standpoint of friction reducing capabilities when applied to the titanium substrate material used on SSME. Endurance of this lubricant was approximately 16 times that of the lubricant which was being used when the SSME gimbal failed.

Harp, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Electrically Conductive Paints for Satellites

A program was conducted to develop and test electrically conductive paint coatings for spacecraft. A wide variety of organic and inorganic coatings were formulated using conductive binders, conductive pigments, and similar approaches. Z-93, IITRI's standard specification inorganic thermal control coating, exhibits good electrical properties and is a very space-stable coating system. Several coatings based on a conductive pigment (antimony-doped tin oxide) in silicone and silicate binders offer considerable promise. Paint systems using commercially available conductive polymers also appear to be of interest, but will require substantial development. Evaluations were made based on electrical conductivity, paint physical properties, and the stability of spectral reflectance in space environment testing.

Gilligan, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Friction and wear of carbon-graphite materials for high-energy brakes

Caliper type brake simulation experiments were conducted on seven different carbon graphite materials formulations against a steel disk material and against a carbon graphite disk material. The effects of binder level, boron carbide (B4C) additions, SiC additions, graphite fiber additions, and graphite cloth reinforcement on friction and wear behavior were investigated. Reductions in binder level, additions of B4C, and additions of SiC each resulted in increased wear. The wear rate was not affected by the addition of graphite fibers. Transition to severe wear and high friction was observed in the case of graphite-cloth-reinforced carbon sliding against a disk of similar composition. The transition was related to the disruption of a continuous graphite shear film that must form on the sliding surfaces if low wear is to occur.

Bill, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Review of composite propellant burn rate modeling

Steady-state combustion modeling of composite solid propellants is discussed with emphasis on the Beckstead-Derr-Price (BDP) model. The BDP model and some revisions are considered with respect to the analysis of monomodal ammonium perchlorate/inert binder propellants: topics examined include continuity relations, surface area relations, characteristic surface dimension, flame heights, and energy balance. Application of the BDP model to more complicated propellants containing multiple active ingredients is described. These propellants include multimodal, mixed oxidizer, active binder, aluminized, catalyzed, and nitramine propellants. Example cases of modeling (with comparison to experimental data) are presented, and strengths and weaknesses of current modeling approaches are evaluated.

Cohen, N. S.↗

NASA NTRS1979

A small-scale test for fiber release from carbon composites

A burn/impact test apparatus is used to determine the amount of fiber release from carbon fiber composites after burn and impact. The calculation of the theoretical char binder content of the composite is made based on the temperature of the test specimen and the char yield of the resin as determined by thermogravimetric analysis. The test results indicate that carbon fiber release depends on the type of reinforcement used. There was more fiber release with the quasi-isotropic composite made with unidirectional tape than with the woven fabric reinforcement. The amount of fiber release in the impact chamber after burning is coincident with the calculated char binder.

Gilwee, W. J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Aging of Magnetic Recording Tape

The paper deals with a study investigating the nature and rates of the hydrolic aging of a wide-band instrumentation magnetic recording tape which employs oxide and backcoat binders made of a polyester urethane elastomer. It was found that the primary mechanism of tape aging and degradation resulted from hydrolysis of its polyester urethane binder.

Cuddihy, E. F.↗