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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Wear of iron and nickel in corrosive liquid environments

Friction and wear behavior of Fe and Ni sliding on aluminum oxide in aerated sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid were investigated. The results show that the concentration of acid is an important factor in controlling the metal loss caused by wear corrosion processes in the acids. At very dilute acid concentration (10 to the -4 N), Fe behaves differently from Ni. Fe develops a soft, friable deposit, while Ni develops no corrosion layer. The formation and removal of the corrosion deposit on Fe resulted in high metal loss and coefficient of friction, as compared to the relatively low metal loss and coefficient of friction observed for Ni. At slightly higher acid concentration (10 to the -3 and 10 to the -2 N), no corrosion products were produced on both Fe and Ni. Wear of Fe and Ni was generally at a minimum. At higher acid concentration (10 to the -1 N and above), loss of Fe and Ni increased as the acid concentration increased. In sulfuric acid the maximum loss of both Fe and Ni was at 7.5 N (30 percent) concentration, and the metal losses of both Fe and Ni dropped markedly at 15 N (50 percent) and above. In hydrochloric acid, however, the Fe loss continued to increase with the increase of acid concentration, and the maximum Fe loss occurred in the most concentrated acid (12.1 N, 37 percent). There were variations in loss with Ni from specimen to specimen examined in hydrochloric acids (10 to the -1 N and above). The coefficient of friction for Ni increased slightly with an increase in acid concentration up to 10 to the -2 N. When corrosion started to dominate in the wear-corrosion process, the coefficient of friction decreased in both sulfuric and hydrochloric acids at 10 to the -1 N and above.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on H18RuN5(ClO)2 by Materials Project

(RuN5H15O)2(H2O)2(HCl)2Cl2 crystallizes in the monoclinic P2_1/c space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of four hydrochloric acid molecules, four hydrochloric acid molecules, four water molecules, and two RuN5H15O clusters. In each RuN5H15O cluster, Ru3+ is bonded to six N3- atoms to form edge-sharing RuN6 octahedra. There are a spread of Ru–N bond distances ranging from 2.03–2.17 Å. There are five inequivalent N3- sites. In the first N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted water-like geometry to two equivalent Ru3+ and two H1+ atoms. Both N–H bond lengths are 1.03 Å. In the second N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ru3+ and three H1+ atoms. There is two shorter (1.03 Å) and one longer (1.09 Å) N–H bond length. In the third N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ru3+ and three H1+ atoms. There is two shorter (1.02 Å) and one longer (1.03 Å) N–H bond length. In the fourth N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ru3+ and three H1+ atoms. All N–H bond lengths are 1.03 Å. In the fifth N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ru3+ and three H1+ atoms. There is one shorter (1.02 Å) and two longer (1.03 Å) N–H bond length. There are fifteen inequivalent H1+ sites. In the first H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the second H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the third H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the fourth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the fifth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one N3- and one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.65 Å. In the sixth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the seventh H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the eighth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the ninth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the tenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the eleventh H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the twelfth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the thirteenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the fourteenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the fifteenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 0.98 Å. O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to two H1+ atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on CuH18C4N10(ClO)2 by Materials Project

(CuH14(C2N5)2)2(H2O)2(H2OCl)2Cl2 crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of two hydrochloric acid molecules; two hydrochloric acid, monohydrate molecules; two water molecules; and two CuH14(C2N5)2 clusters. In each CuH14(C2N5)2 cluster, Cu2+ is bonded in a square co-planar geometry to four N3- atoms. There is one shorter (1.95 Å) and three longer (1.96 Å) Cu–N bond length. There are four inequivalent C4+ sites. In the first C4+ site, C4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three N3- atoms. There are a spread of C–N bond distances ranging from 1.31–1.38 Å. In the second C4+ site, C4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three N3- atoms. There are a spread of C–N bond distances ranging from 1.31–1.37 Å. In the third C4+ site, C4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three N3- atoms. There are a spread of C–N bond distances ranging from 1.31–1.38 Å. In the fourth C4+ site, C4+ is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to three N3- atoms. There are a spread of C–N bond distances ranging from 1.31–1.37 Å. There are ten inequivalent N3- sites. In the first N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one Cu2+, one C4+, and one H1+ atom. The N–H bond length is 1.02 Å. In the second N3- site, N3- is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one C4+ and two H1+ atoms. There is one shorter (1.01 Å) and one longer (1.02 Å) N–H bond length. In the third N3- site, N3- is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to two C4+ and one H1+ atom. The N–H bond length is 1.05 Å. In the fourth N3- site, N3- is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one C4+ and two H1+ atoms. There is one shorter (1.01 Å) and one longer (1.02 Å) N–H bond length. In the fifth N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one Cu2+, one C4+, and one H1+ atom. The N–H bond length is 1.02 Å. In the sixth N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one Cu2+, one C4+, and one H1+ atom. The N–H bond length is 1.03 Å. In the seventh N3- site, N3- is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to one C4+ and two H1+ atoms. Both N–H bond lengths are 1.02 Å. In the eighth N3- site, N3- is bonded in a trigonal planar geometry to two C4+ and one H1+ atom. The N–H bond length is 1.04 Å. In the ninth N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one C4+ and two H1+ atoms. Both N–H bond lengths are 1.02 Å. In the tenth N3- site, N3- is bonded in a distorted trigonal planar geometry to one Cu2+, one C4+, and one H1+ atom. The N–H bond length is 1.03 Å. There are fourteen inequivalent H1+ sites. In the first H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the second H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the third H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the fourth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the fifth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the sixth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the seventh H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the eighth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the ninth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the tenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the eleventh H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the twelfth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the thirteenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom. In the fourteenth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N3- atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on CoH8(ClO2)2 by Materials Project

(Co(H3O2)2)2H2(HCl)2Cl2 crystallizes in the monoclinic P2_1/c space group. The structure is one-dimensional and consists of four hydrochloric acid molecules; four hydrochloric acid molecules; two hydrogen molecules; and two Co(H3O2)2 ribbons oriented in the (0, 1, 0) direction. In each Co(H3O2)2 ribbon, Co2+ is bonded in a distorted trigonal pyramidal geometry to four O2- atoms. There are a spread of Co–O bond distances ranging from 1.67–2.05 Å. There are six inequivalent H1+ sites. In the first H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 0.98 Å. In the second H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 0.99 Å. In the third H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.00 Å. In the fourth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a distorted linear geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.03 Å) and one longer (1.52 Å) H–O bond length. In the fifth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 0.99 Å. In the sixth H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The H–O bond length is 1.00 Å. There are four inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted water-like geometry to one Co2+ and two H1+ atoms. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted water-like geometry to one Co2+ and two H1+ atoms. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 150 degrees geometry to one Co2+ and one H1+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted water-like geometry to one Co2+ and two H1+ atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on H14C3NCl5 by Materials Project

(C3H7NH3)2(HCl)8Cl2 is Silicon tetrafluoride-derived structured and crystallizes in the monoclinic Cc space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of four hydrochloric acid molecules, sixteen hydrochloric acid molecules, and four trimethylazanium molecules.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Triacetic Acid Lactone and 4-Hydroxycoumarin as Bioprivileged Molecules for the Development of Performance-Advantaged Organic Corrosion Inhibitors

Biomass conversion, especially the development of bioprivileged molecules utilizing integration of biological and chemical processes, has shown potential to produce novel chemicals with enhanced properties. Here, organic corrosion inhibitors based on triacetic acid lactone and 4-hydroxycoumarin have been synthesized in good yield and tested for corrosion inhibition on mild steel in both sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Sixteen novel corrosion inhibitors derived from triacetic acid lactone and 4-hydroxycoumarin were efficiently synthesized and twelve of them showed high corrosion inhibition efficiency as confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (giving values greater than 78%) and polarization analysis. While triacetic acid lactone-based compounds showed good corrosion inhibition performance, the 4-hydroxycoumarin-based compounds showed further improvement in corrosion inhibition performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the mild steel coupon in the presence of selected inhibitors showed that corrosion was significantly diminished, with complementary X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggesting the inhibitor molecules strongly adsorbed on the steel surface. Quantum chemical calculations showed poor correlation between calculated parameters and the performance of these molecules. This large set of corrosion inhibitors containing a dozen promising corrosion inhibitors is useful for future rational design of corrosion inhibitors. In conclusion, the results demonstrate a new direction for the development of bioprivileged molecules.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2021

CO 2 utilization in built environment via the P CO 2 swing carbonation of alkaline solid wastes with different mineralogy

Carbon mineralization to solid carbonates is one of the reaction pathways that can not only utilize captured CO 2 but also potentially store it in the long term. In this study, the dissolution and carbonation behaviors of alkaline solid wastes (i.e., waste concrete) was investigated. Concrete is one of the main contributors to a large carbon emission in the built environment. Thus, the upcycling of waste concrete via CO 2 utilization has multifaceted environmental benefits including CO 2 emission reduction, waste management and reduced mining. Unlike natural silicate minerals such as olivine and serpentine, alkaline solid wastes including waste concrete are highly reactive, and thus, their dissolution and carbonation behaviors vary significantly. Here, both conventional acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) and less studied carbonic acid (i.e., CO 2 saturated water) solvent systems were explored to extract Ca from concrete. Non-stoichiometric dissolution behaviors between Ca and Si were confirmed under far-from-equilibrium conditions (0.1 wt% slurry density), and the re-precipitation of the extracted Si was observed at near-equilibrium conditions (5 wt% slurry density), when the Ca extraction was performed at a controlled pH of 3. These experiments, with a wide range of slurry densities, provided valuable insight into Si re-precipitation phenomena and its effect on the mass transfer limitation during concrete dissolution. Next, the use of the partial pressure of CO 2 for the pH swing carbon mineralization process was investigated for concrete, and the results were compared to those of Mg-bearing silicate minerals. In the P CO 2 swing process, the extraction of Ca was significantly limited by the precipitation of the carbonate phase (i.e., calcite), since CO 2 bubbling could not provide a low enough pH condition for concrete–water–CO 2 systems. Furthermore, this study showed that the two-step carbon mineralization via P CO 2 swing, that has been developed for Mg-bearing silicate minerals, may not be viable for highly reactive Ca-bearing silicate materials (e.g., concrete). The precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) derived from waste concrete via a pH swing process showed very promising results with a high CO 2 utilization potential as an upcycled construction material.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1981

Recent observations of HF and HCl in the upper stratosphere

Concentrations of gas phase hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid have been determined in the upper stratosphere from near-infrared solar spectra recorded in the course of balloon flights from Palestine, Texas, in October 1978 and in September 1979. The average mixing ratios for HF deduced respectively from these flights are (4.8 plus or minus .3) x 10 to the -10th ppv above 30.3km and (6.2 plus or minus .5) x 10 to the -10th ppv above 36.8km. This observed difference is ascribed to an increase in the HF concentration out to at least 37km. The HCl mixing ratios deduced from the 1978 flight yield (4.5 plus or minus .6) x 10 to the -10th ppv at 21.7km, (7.5 plus or minus .7) x 10 to the -10th ppv at 27.5 km and (2.1 plus or minus .4) x 10 to the -9th ppv above 30.5km. Observations in 1979 imply an average HCl mixing ratio above 36.8km of (2.4 plus or minus .4) x 10 to the -9th ppv. Our data do not indicate a measurable temporal trend of the HCl concentration above 30km.

Zander, R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Condensation of HNO3 and HCl in the winter polar stratospheres

Nitric acid and hydrochloric acid vapors may condense in the winter polar stratospheres. Nitric acid clouds, unlike water ice clouds, would form at the temperatures at which polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are observed and would have optical depths of the magnitude observed suggesting that HNO3 is a dominant component of PSCs. ClO, N2O5 and ClNO3 may react on cloud particle surfaces yielding additional HNO3, HCl, and HOCL. In the vicinity of PSCs these reactions could deplete the stratosphere of photochemically active NO(x) species. The sedimentation of PSCs may remove these materials from the stratosphere. The loss of vapor phase NO(x) might allow halogen-based chemistry to create the ozone hole.

Toon, Owen B.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Venus' Mass Spectra Show Signs of Disequilibria in the Middle Clouds

We present a re‐examination of mass spectral data obtained from the Pioneer Venus Large Probe Neutral Mass Spectrometer. Our interpretations of differing trace chemical species are suggestive of redox disequilibria in Venus' middle clouds. Assignments to the data (at 51.3 km) include phosphine, hydrogen sulfide, nitrous acid, nitric acid, carbon monoxide, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen cyanide, ethane, and potentially ammonia, chlorous acid, and several tentative PxOy species. All parent ions were predicated upon assignment of corresponding fragmentation products, isotopologues, and atomic species. The data reveal parent ions at varying oxidation states, implying the presence of reducing power in the clouds, and illuminating the potential for chemistries yet to be discovered. When considering the hypothetical habitability of Venus' clouds, the assignments reveal a potential signature of anaerobic phosphorus metabolism (phosphine), an electron donor for anoxygenic photosynthesis (nitrite), and major constituents of the nitrogen cycle (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and N2).

disequilibria↗
NASA NTRS1980

Response of citrus and other selected plant species to simulated HCL - acid rain

Mature valencia orange trees were sprayed with hydrochloric acid solutions (pH 7.8, 2.0, 1.0, and 0.5) in the field at the full bloom stage and at one month after fruit set. Potted valencia orange and dwarf citrus trees, four species of plants native to Merritt Island, and four agronomic species were exposed to various pH levels of simulated acid rain under controlled conditions. The acid rain was generated from dilutions of hydrochloric acid solutions or by passing water through an exhaust generated by burning solid rocket fuel. The plants were injured severely at pH levels below 1.0, but showed only slight injury at pH levels of 2.0 and above. Threshold injury levels were between 2.0 and 3.0 pH. The sensitivity of the different plant species to acid solutions was similar. Foliar injury symptoms were representative of acid rain including necrosis of young tissue, isolated necrotic spots or patches, and leaf abscission. Mature valencia orange trees sprayed with concentrations of 1.0 pH and 0.5 pH in the field had reduced fruit yields for two harvests after the treatment. All experimental trees were back to full productivity by the third harvest after treatment.

Knott, W. M.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Accelerating actinium-225 purification by high-pressure ion chromatography

Actinium-225 (t1/2 = 9.92 days) is an important radioisotope for targeted alpha therapy applications. The limited supply obtained through the decay of thorium-229 has motivated accelerator-based production routes, including irradiation of thorium targets. Irradiated targets can produce useful quantities of actinium-225, but the product requires final purification from chemically similar lanthanide contaminants. This work describes an automated high-pressure ion chromatography method for this final polishing step. The method uses a reusable strong-acid cation-exchange column bearing sulfonic acid functional groups. α-Hydroxyisobutyric acid (α-HIBA), adjusted to pH 4.3 with lithium hydroxide, complexes and elutes lanthanides, a dilute hydrochloric acid matrix-exchange step removes residual α-HIBA, and concentrated hydrochloric acid then elutes retained actinium(III). The protocol purified actinium-225 to >99% radiopurity across tracer-level samples and samples containing >150 µCi (5.6 MBq) of activity. A 10 min, 0.1 M hydrochloric acid matrix exchange substantially reduced organic eluent carryover, and in-line sodium iodide detection enabled real-time monitoring of actinium and lanthanide elution. The developed method can be completed in <1 h and provides a basis for automated purification workflows for accelerator-produced actinium-225.

Gaddis, Kevin [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000183398314)↗
NASA NTRS2012

Three Dimensionally Interlinked, Dense, Solid Form of Single-Walled CNT Ropes

A 3D networked, dense form of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) has been made through isotropic shrinking of a gel-like SWNT-water paste by very slow evaporation. Approximately 35 g of Raw HiPco nanotubes were cleaned by the method of soft baking (250 C for 15 hours in air saturated with water vapor) in a glass beaker followed by leaching with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Typically, one liter of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to the soft-baked voluminous mass in the same large beaker, and allowed to digest at room temperature with stirring overnight. The acid-digested SWNT slurry was filtered through a large porcelain Buchner funnel under atmospheric pressure. The slurry was continuously flushed, while still in the funnel, with a very slow but steady stream of deionized water employing a peristaltic pump. This process, referred to as gwashing, h continued until the filtrate water dripping from the Buchner funnel was clear, colorless, and neutral to a pH paper. This took about 15 liters of water to flow through the slurry over a day. At this point, the water pump was stopped and the SWNT-water slurry was allowed to drain the excess water for about 10 hours. The resulting thick paste of SWNT-neutral water was transferred to a beaker. The beaker was covered with aluminum foil with few holes and allowed to dry very slowly in a hood at room temperature. In about eight weeks, the sample gradually dried isotropically to a cylindrical dense mass referred to as a carbon nanotube block (CNB). There was no carbonaceous matter sticking to any of the glass surface where the SWNT-water paste made contact. The approximate dimensions of the cylindrical SWNT block that weighed 28 g were 1.5 in. (.3.8 cm) in diameter and 1.25 in. (.3.2 cm) in height. The bottom portion of the cylinder that was in contact with the beaker surface was slightly wider, indicating some resistance to shrinking. The cylindrical mass also consisted of several pores. The cylindrical mass was very tough and could not be broken with a small hammer using considerable force. The mass of the solid could be polished over a fine grain emery paper or even a smooth, stainless steel surface indicative of alignment at finer levels.

Smalley, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS1997

New Anti-Corrosive Coatings with Resin-Bonded Polyaniline and Related Electroactive Groups

It is already known that polyaniline (an electroactive polymer) functions as a corrosion inhibitor for steel and in view of the fact that it is known to perform in the presence of hydrochloric acid, it has been considered likely that it may be useful to NASA for protecting launch structures at KSC which are exposed to not only continual ocean-side salt spray but also to hydrochloric acid at the times that solid-fuel boosters are fired. The currently used zinc-rich silicate-bonded coating is not wholly protective against the hydrochloric acid. Water pollution from zinc salts is another concern. Other earlier and concurrent NASA sponsored projects have been focussed on polyaniline specifically. Our project, administered for NASA by Dr. K. Thompson of KSC and these more-specifically polyaniline-related projects are included in a CRADA coordinated by Dr. F. Via of Akzo Nobel. A parallel project at Polytechnic under Prof K. Levon concentrated more specifically on polyaniline with various dopants. Our exploratory project reported herein was aimed at broadening the range of such corrosion inhibitors, to give protective paint compounders a wider latitude for adding corrosion inhibitors having polyaniline-like performance, and thus we diverged in several probing directions from polyaniline. Our working hypothesis was that physical variants of polyaniline, such as supported formulations on pigments or carriers, and chemical variants of polyaniline, including those having no electroconductive character, may have enhanced anticorrosion activity. We also hypothesized that small (non-polymeric) molecules having structures related to those occurring in polyaniline, may be active as corrosion inhibitors. We did preliminary testing, using an ASTM salt spray method at a nearby commercial paint testing laboratory. Our most interesting findings were that a non-electroconductive meta-isomer of polyaniline showed some corrosion activity, suggesting that the features of the polyaniline molecule associated with conductivity are not necessary for the anticorrosion action. Also, signtficantly, small molecular weight aromatic diamines and diimines resembling the reduced and the oxidized repeating unit in polyaniline showed an interesting degree of anticorrosive activity, suggesting that the polymeric feature of polyaniline is not necessary for anticorrosion action.

Weil, Edward D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Assessment of possible environmental effects of space shuttle operations

The potential of shuttle operations to contribute to atmospheric pollution is investigated. Presented in this interim report are results of the study to date on rocket exhaust inventory, exhaust interactions, dispersion of the ground cloud, detection and measurement of hydrochloric acid and aluminum oxide, environmental effects of hydrochloric acid and aluminum oxide, stratospheric effects of shuttle effluents, and mesospheric and ionospheric effects of orbiter reentry. The results indicate space shuttle operation will not result in adverse environmental effects if appropriate launch constraints are met.

Cicerone, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Alloys in a Simulated Space Shuttle Launch Environment

Corrosion studies began at NASA/Kennedy Space Center in 1966 during the Gemini/Apollo Programs with the evaluation of long-term protective coatings for the atmospheric protection of carbon steel. An outdoor exposure facility on the beach near the launch pad was established for this purpose at that time. The site has provided over 35 years of technical information on the evaluation of the long-term corrosion performance of many materials and coatings as well as on maintenance procedures. Results from these evaluations have helped NASA find new materials and processes that increase the safety and reliability of our flight hardware, launch structures, and ground support equipment. The launch environment at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is extremely corrosive due to the combination of ocean salt spray, heat, humidity, and sunlight. With the introduction of the Space Shuttle in 1981, the already highly corrosive conditions at the launch pad were rendered even more severe by the acidic exhaust from the solid rocket boosters. Over the years, many materials have been evaluated for their corrosion performance under conditions similar to those found at the launch pads. These studies have typically included atmospheric exposure and evaluation with conventional electrochemical methods such as open circuit potential (OCP) measurements, polarization techniques, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The atmosphere at the Space Shuttle launch site is aggressive to most metals and causes severe pitting in many of the common stainless steel alloys such as type 304L stainless steel (304L SS). A study was undertaken to find a more corrosion resistant material to replace the existing 304L SS tubing. This paper presents the results from atmospheric exposure as well as electrochemical measurements on the corrosion resistance of AL-6XN (UNS N08367) and 254-SMO (UNS S32154). Type 304L SS (UNS S30403) was used as a control. Conditions at the Space Shuttle launch pad were simulated by using a hydrochloric acid (HC1) and alumina (Al203) slurry rinse for the atmospheric exposure and an electrolyte consisting of 3.55% sodium chloride (NaC1) with increased concentrations of hydrochloric acid (HC1) for the electrochemical measurements. The results from both types of measurements revealed the superior corrosion performance of the higher-alloyed materials. Unlike 304L SS, 254-SMO and AL-6XN exhibited a significantly improved resistance to corrosion as the concentration of hydrochloric acid in he 3.55% NaCl electrolyte solution was increased.

Calle, L. M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Separation of gold from irradiated actinide material utilizing a 2- thenoyltrifluoroacetone extraction resin

Post-detonation nuclear forensics capabilities depend on the ability to rapidly isolate radionuclides to improve measurement quality. In this work an extraction chromatography resin was developed utilizing the extractants thenoyltrifluoroacetone and 1-octanol supported on Eichrom prefilter resin. Here the resin was tested in nitric and hydrochloric acid matrices. In nitric acid matrices the resin is able to extract zirconium, while in hydrochloric acid matrices it is possible to extract iron and gallium. In all acid conditions tested gold is retained but can be removed from the column with a 10% thiourea rinse.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2021

Morphology engineering of iridium electrodes via modifying titanium substrates with controllable pillar structures for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction

Nowadays, Ti is the well-chosen anode substrate material for proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs) and modifications of the substrate surfaces are essential for the fabrication of highly efficient electrodes. Herein, we introduce the morphology engineering of Ir/Ti electrodes with different acid treatments of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and oxalic acid (OA), and the comparative benefits of these two acid treatment methods are studied from the aspects of their impacts on the morphology, interfacial contact resistance (ICR), and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances of resultant electrodes. Notably, compared to the flat surface from OA treatment, Ti substrates with the pillar structure could be successfully achieved via HCl etching. Further, the HCl and the oxalic acid (OA) treatments would reduce the interfacial contact resistance (ICR) to 15.2% and 5.5% of the pristine Ti substrate at 1.38 MPa, respectively. By iridium electrodeposition on Ti substrates, Ir/Ti electrodes with different catalyst loadings are fabricated. With similar low-loadings of about 0.05 mgIr cm –2 , an Ir/Ti electrode with HCl treated substrate exhibits a lower overpotential of ~283 mV at 10 mA cm –2 current density than 305 mV from OA treatment, due to the boosted reaction areas from HCl treatment.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗