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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Biodegradation Studies of Polyhydroxybutyrate and Polyhydroxybutyrate- co -Polyhydroxyvalerate Films in Soil

Due to increased environmental pressures, significant research has focused on finding suitable biodegradable plastics to replace ubiquitous petrochemical-derived polymers. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of polymers that can be synthesized by microorganisms and are biodegradable, making them suitable candidates. The present study looks at the degradation properties of two PHA polymers: polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-polyhydroxyvalerate (PHBV; 8 wt.% valerate), in two different soil conditions: soil fully saturated with water (100% relative humidity, RH) and soil with 40% RH. The degradation was evaluated by observing the changes in appearance, chemical signatures, mechanical properties, and molecular weight of samples. Both PHB and PHBV were degraded completely after two weeks in 100% RH soil conditions and showed significant reductions in mechanical properties after just three days. The samples in 40% RH soil, however, showed minimal changes in mechanical properties, melting temperatures/crystallinity, and molecular weight over six weeks. By observing the degradation behavior for different soil conditions, these results can pave the way for identifying situations where the current use of plastics can be replaced with biodegradable alternatives.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Toughening Brittle Bio‐P3HB with Synthetic P3HB of Engineered Stereomicrostructures

Abstract Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), a biologically produced, biodegradable natural polyester, exhibits excellent thermal and barrier properties but suffers from mechanical brittleness, largely limiting its applications. Here we report a mono‐material product design strategy to toughen stereoperfect, brittle bio or synthetic P3HB by blending it with stereomicrostructurally engineered P3HB. Through tacticity ([ mm ] from 0 to 100 %) and molecular weight ( M n to 788 kDa) tuning, high‐performance synthetic P3HB materials with tensile strength to ≈30 MPa, fracture strain to ≈800 %, and toughness to 126 MJ m −3 (>110× tougher than bio‐P3HB) have been produced. Physical blending of the brittle P3HB with such P3HB in 10 to 90 wt % dramatically enhances its ductility from ≈5 % to 95–450 % and optical clarity from 19 % to 85 % visible light transmittance while maintaining desirably high elastic modulus (>1 GPa), tensile strength (>35 MPa), and melting temperature (160–170 °C). This P3HB‐toughening‐P3HB methodology departs from the traditional approach of incorporating chemically distinct components to toughen P3HB, which hinders chemical or mechanical recycling, highlighting the potential of the mono‐material product design solely based on biodegradable P3HB to deliver P3HB materials with diverse performance properties.

Zhang, Zhen↗
DOE OSTI2023

Toughening Brittle Bio‐P3HB with Synthetic P3HB of Engineered Stereomicrostructures

Abstract Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), a biologically produced, biodegradable natural polyester, exhibits excellent thermal and barrier properties but suffers from mechanical brittleness, largely limiting its applications. Here we report a mono‐material product design strategy to toughen stereoperfect, brittle bio or synthetic P3HB by blending it with stereomicrostructurally engineered P3HB. Through tacticity ([ mm ] from 0 to 100 %) and molecular weight ( M n to 788 kDa) tuning, high‐performance synthetic P3HB materials with tensile strength to ≈30 MPa, fracture strain to ≈800 %, and toughness to 126 MJ m −3 (>110× tougher than bio‐P3HB) have been produced. Physical blending of the brittle P3HB with such P3HB in 10 to 90 wt % dramatically enhances its ductility from ≈5 % to 95–450 % and optical clarity from 19 % to 85 % visible light transmittance while maintaining desirably high elastic modulus (>1 GPa), tensile strength (>35 MPa), and melting temperature (160–170 °C). This P3HB‐toughening‐P3HB methodology departs from the traditional approach of incorporating chemically distinct components to toughen P3HB, which hinders chemical or mechanical recycling, highlighting the potential of the mono‐material product design solely based on biodegradable P3HB to deliver P3HB materials with diverse performance properties.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2021

Activating Layered Metal Oxide Nanomaterials via Structural Engineering as Biodegradable Nanoagents for Photothermal Cancer Therapy

Layered metal oxides including MoO 3 and WO 3 have been widely explored for biological applications owing to their excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, and easy preparation. However, they normally exhibit weak or negligible near-infrared (NIR) absorption and thus are inefficient for photo-induced biomedical applications. Herein, the structural engineering of layered MoO 3 and WO 3 nanostructures is first reported to activate their NIR-II absorption for efficient photothermal cancer therapy in the NIR-II window. White-colored micrometre-long MoO 3 nanobelts are transformed into blue-colored short, thin, defective, interlayer gap-expanded MoO 3–x nanobelts with a strong NIR-II absorption via the simple lithium treatment. The blue MoO 3–x nanobelts exhibit a large extinction coefficient of 18.2 L g –1 cm –1 and high photothermal conversion efficiency of 46.9% at 1064 nm. After surface modification, the MoO 3–x nanobelts can be used as a robust nanoagent for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal therapy to achieve efficient cancer cell ablation and tumor eradication under irradiation by a 1064 nm laser. Importantly, the biodegradable MoO 3–x nanobelts can be rapidly degraded and excreted from body. We report the study highlights that the structural engineering of layered metal oxides is a powerful strategy to tune their properties and thus boost their performances in given applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Making an s1G Self-Preserving Environmental DNA (eDNA) Filter from Sustainable Materials

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling of aquatic environments is a powerful new tool for resource managers to use in detecting the presence of rare and endangered species. The use of eDNA for species detection is quickly becoming an industry-standard methodology in environmental science, and the technology sector is moving quickly to create purpose-built tools for eDNA sampling. Smith-Root, Inc. pioneered the new technology of self-preserving eDNA filters that automatically preserve the DNA captured on filters by desiccating the internal filter membrane. This capability saves the sampling technician significant time in the field and drastically reduces the potential for sample contamination. One main constraint of this new technology, however, is the necessity of single-use plastics for eDNA sampling. Single-use designs are employed because sampling equipment must be devoid of potential contaminating DNA, and the time required to sterilize equipment is often not cost-effective for practitioners. Thus, this technology is creating a significant new source of plastic waste—something that eDNA practitioners, and society, would like to avoid. This project explores the use of alternative bio based polymers and composites as replacements for incumbent industrial standards for eDNA filtration systems, with an emphasis on ease of processing and biodegradable options. 8 candidate materials, 3 for the top filter housing and 5 for the bottom filter housing, were investigated to replace incumbent housing materials. Of the 8 candidates, 2 materials were identified for future investigation which met performance requirements, were bio-based and could potentially offer better disposal options like soil degradation or composting, features sought by the customers of these products. The top housing candidate, material 1, has comparable performance to the incumbent material and equally manufacturable. The bottom housing candidate, material 6, improved desiccation performance by 81% after 1 hour in comparison to the incumbent material, is 100% bio-based, compostable and can be sourced domestically throughout the U.S.A.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sustainable Polymer for Polyolefin Replacement (CRADA Final Report)

Sustainable Chemicals, LLC (Participant, Sust-Chem) develops renewable, biodegradable bioplastics for the replacement of large-volume petrochemical plastics such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Participant’s patented bioplastics will find use in everyday items such as plastic bags, flexible containers, packaging, and toys and will address customers' ask for goods that are sustainable but don't cost a premium. Participants’ plastic comes from plant biomass and at the end of its lifecycle, is compostable or chemically recyclable. During the CRADA, Participant and Contractor will jointly refine the polymerization process used to make our bioplastic. Participant and Contractor will focus on technologies that are economically and industrially feasible, complete with full polymer characterization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Lunar base CELSS: A bioregenerative approach

During the twenty-first century, human habitation of a self-sustaining lunar base could become a reality. To achieve this goal, the occupants will have to have food, water, and an adequate atmosphere within a carefully designed environment. Advanced technology will be employed to support terrestrial life-sustaining processes on the Moon. One approach to a life support system based on food production, waste management and utilization, and product synthesis is outlined. Inputs include an atmosphere, water, plants, biodegradable substrates, and manufacutured materials such as fiberglass containment vessels from lunar resources. Outputs include purification of air and water, food, and hydrogen (H2) generated from methane (CH4). Important criteria are as follows: (1) minimize resupply from Earth; and (2) recycle as efficiently as possible.

Easterwood, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Development of Paper Products from Dried Sweetpotato Stems and Peanut Shells

One of the goals of NASA's Advanced Life Support Program (ALS) for sustaining human life in space is to achieve a closed system in plant production and usage. That all inedible plant parts should be recycled or used in some way. A Tuskegee University team researching sweetpotato and peanut for ALS has developed paper products from dried sweet-potato stems and peanut shells. In this study, the sweet-potato stems and peanut shells were soaked separately in water for 48 hours. After 48 hours, researchers manually separated the pulp and the unusable parts. To form the paper, 160 g of pulp and water mixture was poured through a 15.1 cm (diameter) filtration funnel and the pulp was trapped on 15 cm (diameter) filter paper. The filter paper and pulp were dried in an air oven, and the filter paper was removed, An examination under a scanning electron microscope showed that the sweet-potato paper was composed of "fibers", whereas the peanut shell paper was composed of "blocks". Results of physical testing showed that the sweet-potato stem paper was stronger than the peanut shell paper. It is anticipated that there may be other uses of these products such as writing paper, bags and packaging material. Because of its biodegradability, it can be incorporated into the resource recycling system at the end of its use.

R McConnell↗
DOE OSTI2020

Mechanically robust and reprocessable imine exchange networks from modular polyester pre-polymers

Covalent adaptable networks (CANs) containing reversible cross-links impart recyclability to thermoset materials without sacrificing their desirable properties (e.g. high tensile strength and solvent resistance). In addition to thermal recycling, the sustainability of these materials may be further improved by incorporating bio-sourced monomers or by enabling alternate end-of-life fates, such as biodegradation or recovery of starting materials. The alternating ring-opening copolymerisation of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides permits the modular synthesis of polyester pre-polymers that can then be cross-linked to form dynamic imine-linked networks. In this work, we report the synthesis and characterisation of five imine exchange polyester CANs with varied cross-linking densities and pre-polymer architectures. While the materials exhibit characteristic thermoset properties at service temperatures, differences in pre-polymer architecture produce distinct dynamic mechanical effects at elevated temperatures. The networks may be thermally reprocessed with full recovery of their tensile strengths and cross-linking densities, dissociated to pre-polymer, or hydrolytically degraded.

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

All 2D Material Printed Diodes and Circuits on Paper for Sustainable Electronics

Sustainable electronics aim to reduce environmental impact by using ecofriendly materials, energy-efficient manufacturing, and recyclable components. However, existing approaches rely on complex, resource-intensive methods, rare metals, or nanomaterials with limited stability as well as plastic substrates, raising sustainability issues. Solution-processed two-dimensional (2D) materials offer a promising alternative: water-based and biocompatible conductive, semiconductive, and insulating 2D material inks can be produced with scalable techniques and are suitable for the fabrication of fully printed devices on low-cost and biodegradable paper substrates. However, 2D material only and fully printed diodes on paper have not yet been reported. Here, we demonstrate fully inkjet-printed 2D material-based diodes on paper using metal-insulator-semiconductor and metal-insulator-metal-semiconductor architectures. Water-based graphene and MoS2 inks, prepared by liquid-phase exfoliation, are used for the metallic and insulating films, while electrochemical exfoliation is used to produce the semiconducting MoS2 ink. The highest forward-to-reverse current ratio obtained is 330 (at ±2 V), while the forward current density is 1 mA/cm2 (at 1 V), making the diode performance comparable to the best solution-processed diodes reported so far. However, in contrast to previous works, fabrication occurs entirely at room temperature and ambient pressure, without using high-pressure sputtering, thermal evaporation, and any precious metal ink. The devices maintain stable performance under bending up to strain of 4% over 10,000 cycles. Finally, the diodes are successfully integrated with other 2D-material based electrical components to realize fully printed RC circuits, differentiators, integrators, and AC-to-DC converters onto paper, hence demonstrating the suitability of our approach for sustainable and disposable integrated circuits.

2D materials↗
DOE OSTI2025

The developments in modifying functionality of lignin and its application in biocomposites

With the advancement of sustainable material innovations, renewable natural biopolymers are gradually replacing traditional metal and petroleum-based synthetic materials due to their environmental friendliness, biodegradability, and economic advantages. Lignin, the second most abundant natural aromatic polymer in the plant kingdom, has emerged as a key candidate raw material for the development of green polymer systems because of its unique phenylpropane unit network structure, high carbon content, and rich functional group characteristics. However, challenges such as the inherent structural complexity, chemical inertness, and uneven molecular weight distribution of lignin limit its direct application. By employing modification strategies such as chemical functionalization and physical regulation, researchers can precisely control its reactivity, thermal stability, and interfacial compatibility, enabling the preparation of high-performance lignin-based functional composites. Here, this paper systematically reviews the principles and methodological advancements in lignin's multi-dimensional modification technology. It analyzes the mechanisms by which various chemical and physical modification techniques enhance the mechanical properties, functional responsiveness, and environmental adaptability of materials, and discusses innovative applications in fields such as intelligent packaging, biomedical materials, and energy storage devices. Furthermore, this review addresses the key challenges encountered in the high-value transformation of lignin, with the aim of offering a theoretical framework and technical pathway for the transformative development of lignin from agricultural and forestry by-products to functional material platforms.

Functional composites↗
DOE OSTI2024

Carbon Fiber-Based Vitrimer Composites: A Path toward Current Research That Is High-Performing, Useful, and Sustainable

In the polymeric material industry, thermosets and related composites have played a substantial role in the production of rubber and plastics. One important subset of these is thermoset composites with carbon reinforcement. The incorporation of carbon fillers and fibers gives polymeric materials improved electrical and mechanical properties, among other benefits. However, the covalently crosslinked network of thermosets presents significant challenges for recycling and reprocessing because of its intractable nature. The introduction of vitrimer materials opens a new avenue to produce biodegradable and recyclable thermosets. Carbon-reinforced vitrimer composites are pursued for high-performance, long-lasting materials with attractive physical properties, the ability to be recycled and processed, and other features that respond uniquely to stimuli. The development of carbon-reinforced vitrimer composites over the last few years is summarized in this article. First, an overview of vitrimers and the methods used to prepare carbon fiber-reinforced vitrimer composites is provided. Because of the vitrimer nature of such composites, reprocessing, healing, and recycling are viable ways to greatly extend their service life; these approaches are thoroughly explained and summarized. The conclusion is our prediction for developing carbon-based vitrimer composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advancing Downstream Processing of Biopolymers from Methane: CRADA Final Report

Mango Materials (MM) produces a sustainable, natural, biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics using methane derived from waste treatment. MM’s biopolymer is produced through a fermentation process where methane is fed to bacteria that produce an intracellular biopolymer, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), which has material properties similar to conventional plastics such as polypropylene.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quest for environmentally sustainable materials: A case for animal-based fillers and fibers in polymeric biocomposites

This review explores the potential of animal-based fillers and fibers as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic ones. Examining materials such as wool, silk, feather, hair and beak, the review elucidates their chemistry, structure, properties and sources, emphasizing biodegradability and renewability. It also discusses the compatibility of these materials with polymer matrices and their mechanical, acoustic and thermal performances. Further, the review critically analyzes environmental and ethical implications, presenting challenges and opportunities in the emerging field. By addressing ecological and performance aspects, it contributes to global efforts in fostering sustainability in materials science. Future research to address gaps and enhance the design, manufacture and application of animal-based reinforcements in various industries are clearly outlined at the end of the review.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advances in multi-dimensional cellulose-based fluorescent carbon dot composites

Recently, fluorescent materials composed of carbon dots (CDs) have attracted increasing attention in diverse fields, including the environment, food, biology, and medicine. Cellulose has emerged as a promising class of materials for carriers due to its low cost, fascinating biodegradability, and various morphologies, especially in available different dimensions. By taking advantage of the respective superiority of fluorescent materials and cellulose carriers, the performance of fluorescence composite materials can be optimized and their application may be extended. Here, in this review, the study emphasizes the synthesis and applications of cellulose-based fluorescent materials with different dimensions. Moreover, some effective strategies and potential challenges for further development of cellulose-based fluorescent materials are discussed. A deeper understanding will provide a guide for the materials with ideal fluorescent performances.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Improving dairy manure hydrolysis and acidification through microbial community restructuring by adaptation to hyperthermophilic conditions

Dairy manure (DM) contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem degradation, yet its resistance to biodegradation hinders widespread bioprocessing applications. Lignocellulosic materials in DM pose a particular challenge because of their recalcitrance. Bioprocessing under hyperthermophilic (≥70 °C) conditions potentially offers an advantage over traditional fermentation temperatures due to enhanced activity of enzymes and the kinetics of enzymatic reactions. This can lead to a higher conversion rate and a greater extent of biomass hydrolysis and acidification. To test the validity of this hypothesis, the current study evaluated the efficacy of anaerobic hydrolysis and acidogenic fermentation of DM under mesophilic, thermophilic, and hyperthermophilic conditions. All inocula were adapted to corresponding temperatures but were derived from the same mesophilic source. Hyperthermophilic conditions resulted in superior DM hydrolysis efficiency (53%) compared to mesophilic (34%) and thermophilic (42%) conditions. The hyperthermophilic environment was particularly favorable to the decomposition of crude proteins and hemicellulose, which were reduced by 64% and 54%, respectively. Furthermore, hyperthermophilic fermentation also yielded the highest volatile fatty acid (VFA) production rate of 460 mg/L/day during the first four days, representing improvements of 50% and 90% over mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. In part, this was attributed to the enhanced production of branched-chain VFAs, including an increase of 6–10% in isobutyric acid and 12–13% in isovaleric acid. At hyperthermophilic conditions, however, there was no accumulation of VFAs during the days 5–8 of fermentation, which could be due to acetate conversion by the syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria. A considerable gain in hydrolysis efficiency and VFA production rate were accompanied by a reduction in microbial diversity, which suggests that hyperthermophilic temperature is a favorable environment for the selection of organisms with enhanced DM hydrolysis and fermentation capabilities. A significantly increased relative abundance of xylanolytic Caldicoprobacter (23% of population) and proteolytic Thermovirga (9% of population) could be the major contributors to improved decomposition of hemicellulose and protein. As revealed by the techno-economic analysis, acidogenic fermentation of DM at 70 °C and a retention period of 4 days provides the greatest positive net present value, highest internal rate of return of 9.2%, and shortest investment payback period of 9 years. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that hyperthermophilic conditions enable superior deconstruction and bioconversion of lignocellulose-containing biomass into VFAs under reduced retention times, offering a promising approach for improving DM management and generating bioproducts.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Biocomposite thermoplastic polyurethanes containing evolved bacterial spores as living fillers to facilitate polymer disintegration

The field of hybrid engineered living materials seeks to pair living organisms with synthetic materials to generate biocomposite materials with augmented function since living systems can provide highly-programmable and complex behavior. Engineered living materials have typically been fabricated using techniques in benign aqueous environments, limiting their application. In this work, biocomposite fabrication is demonstrated in which spores from polymer-degrading bacteria are incorporated into a thermoplastic polyurethane using high-temperature melt extrusion. Bacteria are engineered using adaptive laboratory evolution to improve their heat tolerance to ensure nearly complete cell survivability during manufacturing at 135 °C. Furthermore, the overall tensile properties of spore-filled thermoplastic polyurethanes are substantially improved, resulting in a significant improvement in toughness. The biocomposites facilitate disintegration in compost in the absence of a microbe-rich environment. Finally, embedded spores demonstrate a rationally programmed function, expressing green fluorescent protein. This research provides a scalable method to fabricate advanced biocomposite materials in industrially-compatible processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗