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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 55 records · Page 3

MIR Solar Array Return Experiment: Power Performance Measurements and Molecular Contamination Analysis Results

A solar array segment was recently removed from the Mir core module and returned for ground-based analysis. The segment, which is similar to the ones the Russians have provided for the FGB and Service Modules, was microscopically examined and disassembled by US and Russian science teams. Laboratory analyses have shown the segment to he heavily contaminated by an organic silicone coating, which was converted to an organic silicate film by reactions with atomic oxygen within the. orbital flight environment. The source of the contaminant was a silicone polymer used by the Russians as an adhesive and bonding agent during segment construction. During its life cycle, the array experienced a reduction in power performance from approx. 12%, when it was new and first deployed, to approx. 5%, when it was taken out of service. However, current-voltage measurements of three contaminated cells and three pristine, Russian standard cells have shown that very little degradation in solar array performance was due to the silicate contaminants on the solar cell surfaces. The primary sources of performance degradation is attributed to "thermal hot-spotting" or electrical arcing; orbital debris and micrometeoroid impacts; and possibly to the degradation of the solar cells and interconnects caused by radiation damage from high energy protons and electrons.

Visentine, James↗

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 20

The topics include: 1) Virtual Reality Technology as a Tool to Enhance Collaboration Between Space Exploration and Public Outreach: The Case Using the Mars Exploration Rover Images; 2) Atmospheric Electron-induced X-Ray Spectrometer (AEXS) Instrument Development; 3) Impact of Low Thermal Conductivity Layers on the Bulk Conductivity of a Martian Crustal Column; 4) Impacting Classroom Teachers Through Long-Term Professional Development; 5) Oxygen, Ca, and Ti Isotopic Compositions of Hibonite-bearing Inclusions; 6) Phenomenological Excitation Functions of Xe Isotopes with Protons on Nuclei of Cs, La and Ce; 7) Double-Diffusive Convection and Other Modes of Salinity-modulated Heat and Material Transport in Europa s Ocean; 8) Slope Morphologies of the Hellas Mensae Constructs, Eastern Hellas Planitia, Mars; 9) Development of Polygonal Thermal Contraction Patterns in a South Polar Trough, Mars 3 Years of Observations; 10) Martian Relevance of Dehydration and Rehydration in the Mg-Sulfate System; 11) Formation of Martian Volcanic Provinces by Lower Mantle Flushing? 12) Can Glasses Help Us to Unravel the Origin of Barred Olivine Chondrules? 13) Loki Patera: A Magma Sea Story; 14) Compositions of Partly Altered Olivine and Replacement Serpentine in the CM2 Chondrite QUE93005; 15) Model of Light Scattering by Lunar Regolith at Moderate Phase Angles: New Results; 16) Radiation Resistance of a Silicone Polymer Grease Based Regolith Collector for the HERA Near-Earth Asteroid Sample Return Mission; 17) Analysis of the Tectonic Lineaments in the Ganiki Planitia (V14) Quadrangle, Venus; 18) Nanometer-sized Diamonds from AGB Stars; 19) Quantifying Exact Motions Along Lineaments on Europa; 20) Geometry of Thrust Faults Beneath Amenthes Rupes, Mars; 21) Mapping of the Physical Characteristics and Mineral Composition of a Superficial Layer of the Moon or Mars and Ultra-Violet Polarimetry from the Orbital Station; 22) Negative Searches for Evidence of Aqueous Alteration on Asteroid Surfaces; 23) What Processes Have Shaped Basalt Boulders on Earth and Mars? Studies of Feature Persistence Using Facet Mapping and Fractal Analysis; 24) The Popigai Fluidizites: Dense Water Inclusions in Lechatelierite; Evidence for Shock-generated Carbonate and Hydrous Silicate Melts; 25) Missing Xenon Problem and Climate of the Early Earth; and 26) More on Magnetic Spectra from Correlated Crustal Sources on Mars

Source record↗

Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiation Effects on DC93-500 Silicone Film Studied

A space-qualified silicone polymer, DC93-500 (Dow Corning, Midland, MI), has been used as a spacecraft solar cell adhesive and has been proposed for use in a Fresnel lens solar concentrator for space power applications. Applications of DC93-500 for exterior space system surfaces require an understanding of its overall space environmental durability. Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation is among the space environment elements that can be hazardous to the properties of DC93-500, causing degradation in optical and mechanical properties. For materials or components that have not been tested previously for long-duration performance in space, such as DC93-500 in freestanding film form, ground laboratory testing is an important tool for assuring durability. However, differences between the space environment and ground laboratory testing environments lead to complexities in interpreting the ground test results. Two important differences between space and laboratory vacuum ultraviolet exposure conditions are irradiance spectra and light intensity. These important differences were the basis for laboratory experiments conducted to examine VUV wavelength dependence and VUV intensity dependence of DC93-500 degradation. Testing conducted at the NASA Glenn Research Center along with additional data provided through a grant with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has advanced the understanding of VUV effects on DC93-500 and has provided important conclusions regarding the use of ground laboratory VUV testing to predict the space environment performance of DC93-500.

Dever, Joyce A.↗

Dust Solution Testing Initiative (DuSTI): Infusing Commercial Off the Shelf Dust Mitigation Technologies with NASA Practices

Dust is one of the most significant hazards to human lunar exploration. However, since the Apollo program concluded, limited research has been performed on lunar dust mitigation technologies. The safety of the crew members and sustainability of habitats, science, and supporting hardware depend on effective dust mitigation techniques and technologies. As NASA pursues a new generation of lunar missions with the Artemis program, the project team will pursue dust mitigation solutions with the Dust Solution Testing Initiative (DuSTI). DuSTI is a lunar dust mitigation effort that involves performing tests on commercial off the shelf (COTS) technologies over FY21. DuSTI will preform component and subsystem tests in dusty environments for up to five technologies with high potential. The specific technologies identified for study were selected based on several factors, including a market analysis of current terrestrial dust mitigation applications, availability of the technology, accessibility of various testing facilities, and cost of procurement. These technologies support the active and passive dust mitigation requirements of filtration systems, electro-mechanical systems, electro-static systems, surface coatings, textiles, and silicone polymers. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) will be increased by validating components in relevant environments. For example, if the COTS technology is at a TRL 9 for terrestrial use but at a 4-5 TRL for use in the lunar environment, we will test that technology in a lunar dust environment to increase the TRL for use on the Moon.

lunar dust↗

Stereogenic-at-silicon hybrid conjugated polymers

Stereoregularity in carbon-based polymers impacts critical physical properties such as crystallinity, but achieving comparable precision in polysilanes remains challenging. Herein, we report the synthesis of hybrid σ,π-conjugated polysilanes with defined stereoregularity, derived from cis- and trans-cyclosilane building blocks. Using Kumada polycondensation, we accessed a series of atactic, trans-enriched, and cis-enriched polysilanes, enabling a systematic investigation of how tacticity influences thermal and optical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed distinct glass transition behaviors for stereoregular polymers compared to their atactic counterpart, and UV-vis spectroscopy demonstrated enhanced spectral resolution upon annealing of stereoregular films. A linear silane-based analog further underscored the structural impact of cyclic stereogenic units. These findings highlight how stereochemical precision in silicon-containing backbones can modulate macromolecular properties, opening avenues for the rational design of stereoregular polysilanes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ultra-efficient polymer binder for silicon anode in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries

As a highly promising anode material for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the low electronic conductivity and large volume variation of silicon (Si) make the slurry-coating Si based electrode requiring high content of “inert” materials and suffering rapid capacity fading. In this work, a polyimine, synthesized via one-step condensation reaction, has been demonstrated as an ultra-efficient polymer binder that can resolve the above issues. The polyimine binder containing Si electrode delivers superior electrochemical performance: a delithiation specific capacity of 804.4 mAh g –1 with capacity retention of 82.4% after 1000 cycles at the current density of 2 A g –1 . The high efficiency of polyimine binder for Si electrode has also been demonstrated with ultrahigh weight ratio of “active” material to “inert” material (R A/I ). The electrode with 95 wt% of Si (95Si/Polyimine, R A/I = 19) reveals a reversible delithiation capacity of 2114 mAh g –1 (capacity retention ~ 80.4%) over 200 cycles at the current density of 400 mA g –1 . Even at the high current density of 2 A g –1 , a delithiation capacity of 1087.8 mAh g –1 after 500 cycles can be obtained. Molecular simulations and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indentation are utilized to investigate the ultra-efficiency of polyimine binder. With simple manufacturing process and ultra-efficient binder performance, the designed polyimine binder will be definitely meaningful in achieving low-cost and high-capacity LIBs with prolonged cycle life.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Silicon containing electroconductive polymers and structures made therefrom

An electropolymerized film comprised of polymers and copolymers of a monomer is formed on the surface of an anode. The finished structures have superior electrical and mechanical properties for use in applications such as electrostatic dissipation and for the reduction of the radar cross section of advanced aircraft.

Nagasubramanian, Ganesan↗

Development of high temperature silicone adhesive formulations for thermal protection system applications

Trade-off studies and screening evaluations were made of commercial polymers and silicone foam sheet stock. A low modulus, low density 0.26 gm/cc modification was developed of the GE-RESD PD-200 system based upon GE RTV-560 silicone polymer. The bond system modification was initially characterized for mechanical and thermal properties, evaluated for application methods, and its capability demonstrated as a strain arrestor bond system.

Hockridge, R. R.↗

Boron-containing organosilane polymers and ceramic materials thereof

The present invention relates to organic silicon-boron polymers which upon pyrolysis produce high-temperature ceramic materials. More particularly, it relates to the polyorganoborosilanes containing -Si-B- bonds which generate high-temperature ceramic materials (e.g., SiC, SiB4, B4C) upon thermal degradation. The process for preparing these organic silicon-boron polymer precursors are also part of the invention.

Riccitiello, Salvatore R.↗

Utilizing Conjugated Imine Polymers to Stabilize Nanoparticle Silicon Anodes

Silicon anodes provide a compelling route towards delivering high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, however they are notoriously difficult to stabilize in conventional liquid electrolytes that are compatible with high performance cathodes. Furthermore, the drastic changes in volume that occur as silicon is lithiated and delithiated can lead to rapid cell failure and novel polymeric binders are known to help mitigate mechanical issues. We have recently developed a novel method to synthesize the conjugated polymer phenylmethylimine (polyPMI) using an imine metathesis reaction. We have demonstrated that this polymer can be used to stabilize silicon nanoparticles to produce a composite lithium-ion battery anode that is electrochemically stable for hundreds of lithiation and delithiation cycles with a Coulombic efficiency that is greater than 99.95% in a traditional carbonate liquid electrolyte. This work covers the structure and properties of polyPMI within the context of the unique mechanical and electrochemical requirements of nanoparticle silicon anodes. The electrochemical behavior of this polymer also offers new opportunities as an organic lithium-coordinating material that can be used to stabilize a variety of other battery electrodes. More broadly, we posit that this solution-processed, ionically conductive, and electronically conductive polymer is applicable for a variety of energy storage and conversion technologies. Finally, this work demonstrates how this novel polymer chemistry provides additional opportunities for tuning electrode architecture to target high energy full cells.

conjugated polymers↗

Functional silicon crosslinks in conjugated polymer networks

The first conjugated polymers with functional Si–Si crosslinks are reported. In addition to complete structural characterization using solid-state NMR techniques, the electronic structure of the polymers are supported by electrochemical studies.

Wentz, Kelsie E. [Department of Chemistry, Johns H↗

Unraveling Morphology and Chemistry Dynamics in Fluoroethylene Carbonate Generated Silicon Anode Solid Electrolyte Interphase Across Delithiated and Lithiated States: Relative Cycling Stability Enabled by an Elastomeric Polymer Matrix

The silicon solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) faces cyclical cracking and reconstruction due to the ∼350% volume expansion. Understanding the SEI dynamic morphology and chemistry evolution from delithiated to lithiated states is thereby paramount to engineering a stable Si anode. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) is a preferred additive with widely demonstrated enhancement of the Si cycling. Thus, insights into the dynamics of the FEC-SEI may provide hints toward engineering the Si interface. Herein, complementary ATR-FTIR, AFM, tip IR, and XPS probing reveal the presence of an elastomeric polycarbonate-like matrix in the FEC-generated SEI which is absent from the FEC-free SEI. Adding FEC to the baseline 1 M LiPF 6 in EC:EMC (1:1) electrolyte promotes formation of a thinner and more conformal SEI, and subdues morphology and chemistry changes between consecutive half-cycles. From AFM, morphological stabilization of the FEC-SEI occurs earlier. Furthermore, conventional SEI biproducts such as Li 2 CO 3 and LiEDC appear in reduced quantities in the FEC-SEI implying a reduced quantity of Li-consuming species. The thin polymeric FEC-SEI enables deeper (de)lithiation of silicon. In conclusion, the enhanced mechanical compliance, chemical invariance, and reduced Li inventory consumption of the FEC-SEI are logically the key features underlying the Si cycling enhancement by FEC.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Silicone Resins for Vat Polymerization Printing

This paper reviews research of silicone-based resins for vat polymerization printing (VPP). Silicone resins are used commonly in other 3D printing technologies because of their desirable properties. Silicones are chemically inert, oxidatively, and thermally stable, and have the lowest glass transition temperature of any polymer. Creating silicone resins processable by VPP is challenging because VPP requires low viscosity liquid resin that quickly photopolymerizes. This review will summarize VPP technologies, resin chemistries, and recent research of silicone VPP resins.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗