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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Atomic Oxygen Treatment for Non-Contact Removal of Organic Protective Coatings from Painting Surfaces

Current techniques for removal of varnish (lacquer) and other organic protective coatings from paintings involve contact with the surface. This contact can remove pigment, or alter the shape and location of paint on the canvas surface. A thermal energy atomic oxygen plasma, developed to simulate the space environment in low Earth orbit, easily removes these organic materials. Uniform removal of organic protective coatings from the surfaces of paintings is accomplished through chemical reaction. Atomic oxygen will not react with oxides so that most paint pigments will not be affected by the reaction. For paintings containing organic pigments, the exposure can be carefully timed so that the removal stops just short of the pigment. Color samples of Alizarin Crimson, Sap Green, and Zinc White coated with Damar lacquer were exposed to atomic oxygen. The lacquer was easily removed from all of the samples. Additionally, no noticeable change in appearance was observed after the lacquer was reapplied. The same observations were made on a painted canvas test sample obtained from the Cleveland Museum of Art. Scanning electron microscope photographs showed a slight microscopic texturing of the vehicle after exposure. However, there was no removal or disturbance of the paint pigment on the surface. It appears that noncontact cleaning using atomic oxygen may provide a viable alternative to other cleaning techniques. It is especially attractive in cases where the organic protective surface cannot be acceptably or safely removed by conventional techniques.

Rutledge, Sharon K.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Interstellar Processes Leading to Molecular Deuterium Enrichment and Their Detection

Large deuterium (D) enrichments in meteoritic materials indicate that interstellar organic materials survived incorporation into parent bodies within the forming Solar System. These enrichments are likelier due to one or more of four distinct astrochemical processes. These are (1) low temperature gas phase ion-molecule reactions; (2) low temperature gas-grain reactions; (3) gas phase unimolecular photodissociation, and (4) ultraviolet photolysis in D-enriched ice mantles. Each of these processes should be associated with molecular carriers having, distinct regiochemical signatures (D placement on the product molecules, correlation with specific chemical functionalities, etc.). These processes are reviewed and specific spectroscopic signatures for the detection of these processes in space are identified and described.

Sandford, Scott A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Novel High Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Materials: Final Summary of Research

The objectives and goals of this project were to investigate and develop high efficient, lightweight, and cost effective materials for potential photovoltaic applications, such as solar energy conversion or photo detector devices. Specifically, as described in the original project proposal, the target material to be developed was a block copolymer system containing an electron donating (or p-type) conjugated polymer block coupled to an electron withdrawing (or n-type) conjugated polymer block through a non-conjugated bridge unit. Due to several special requirements of the targeted block copolymer systems, such as electron donating and withdrawing substituents, conjugated block structures, processing requirement, stability requirement, size controllability, phase separation and self ordering requirement, etc., many traditional or commonly used block copolymer synthetic schemes are not suitable for this system. Therefore, the investigation and development of applicable and effective synthetic protocols became the most critical and challenging part of this project. During the entire project period, and despite the lack of a proposed synthetic polymer postdoctoral research associate due to severe shortage of qualified personnel in the field, several important accomplishments were achieved in this project and are briefly listed and elaborated. A more detailed research and experimental data is listed in the Appendix.

Sun, Sam↗
NASA NTRS2002

Novel High Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Materials: Appendix for Summary of Research

There are many different kinds of conjugated polymers that may be useful in photovoltaic devices. So far, the most popular and successful conjugated polymers used in photovoltaic devices include poly(1,4-)phenylenevinylenes (PPV), C60 and their derivatives. The discovery of electro-luminescence in PPV has stimulated a great deal of interest in developing "plastic" solid-state semiconductor devices. The overall synthetic methodology for the preparation of PPV can be divided into three main categories: (1) side chain derivatization, (2) precursor approach, and (3) in-situ polymerization. In this project, the first method was adopted. As discussed in project proposal and literatures, the overall efficiency of photovoltaic devices containing conjugated polymers is determined by the materials ability to generate excitons from incoming radiation, and then to separate the charges at donor/acceptor interfaces, and then to transport charges to respective electrodes. Given that effective exciton diffusion range are typical less then 30 nm, unique morphological structures are needed. This need led to several research groups to the idea that interpenetrating or bi-continuous networks of donor (electron donating) and acceptor (electron withdrawing) polymers should give better results. One approach involved the use of functionalized PPV. The attachment of electron withdrawing cyano groups to a PPV forms the CN-PPV, making it a strong electron acceptor. Underivatized PPV is a generally considered a hole-transporting material. Using blends of MEH-PPV, a soluble donor PPV derivative, as a hole transporter and CN-PPV as an electron transporter, a quantum efficiencies of up to 6% was achieved.

Sun, Sam↗
NASA NTRS2007

Organics Captured from Comet Wild 2 by the Stardust Spacecraft

Organics found in Comet Wild 2 samples show a heterogeneous and unequilibrated distribution in abundance and composition. Some are similar, but not identical, to those in interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and carbonaceous meteorites. A new class of aromatic-poor organic material is also present. The organics are rich in O and N compared to meteoritic organics. Aromatic compounds are present, but the samples tend to be relatively poorer in aromatics than meteorites and IDPs. D and 15N suggest that some organics have an interstellar/protostellar heritage. While the variable extent of modification of these materials by impact capture is not yet fully constrained, a remarkably diverse suite of organic compounds is present and identifiable within the returned samples.

Sandford, Scott A.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Prebiotic Chemistry of Pluto

We present the case for the presence of complex organic molecules, such as amino acids and nucleobases, formed by abiotic processes on the surface and in near-subsurface regions of Pluto. Pluto's surface is tinted with a range of non-ice substances with colors ranging from light yellow to red to dark brown; the colors match those of laboratory organic residues called tholins. Tholins are broadly characterized as complex, macromolecular organic solids consisting of a network of aromatic structures connected by aliphatic bridging units (e.g., Imanaka et al.,2004; Materese et al.,2014, 2015). The synthesis of tholins in planetary atmospheres and in surface ices has been explored in numerous laboratory experiments, and both gas- and solid-phase varieties are found on Pluto. A third variety of tholins, exposed at a site of tectonic surface fracturing called Virgil Fossae, appears to have come from a reservoir in the subsurface. Eruptions of tholin-laden liquid H2O from a subsurface aqueous repository appear to have covered portions of Virgil Fossae and its surroundings with a uniquely colored deposit (D.P. Cruikshank, personal communication) that is geographically correlated with an exposure of H2O ice that includes spectroscopically detected NH3 (C.M. Dalle Ore, personal communication). The subsurface organic material could have been derived from presolar or solar nebula processes, or might have formed in situ. Photolysis and radiolysis of a mixture of ices relevant to Pluto's surface composition (N2, CH4, CO) have produced strongly colored, complex organics with a significant aromatic content having a high degree of nitrogen substitution similar to the aromatic heterocycles pyrimidine and purine (Materese et al.,2014, 2015; Cruikshank et al.,2016). Experiments with pyrimidines and purines frozen in H2O-NH3 ice resulted in the formation of numerous nucleobases, including the biologically relevant guanine, cytosine, adenine, uracil, and thymine (Materese et al.,2017). The red material associated with the H2O ice may contain nucleobases resulting from energetic processing on Pluto's surface or in the interior. Some other Kuiper Belt objects also exhibit red colors similar to those found on Pluto and may therefore carry similar inventories of complex organic materials. The widespread and ubiquitous nature of similarly complex organic materials observed in a variety of astronomical settings drives the need for additional laboratory and modeling efforts to explain the origin and evolution of organic molecules. Pluto observations reveal complex organics on a small body that remains close to its place of origin in the outermost regions of the Solar System.

Cruikshank, D. P.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Affinity of LDR Organics to Cementitious Materials: Sorption and Leaching Tests

SRNL is working to identify and test the physiochemical interactions of organic contaminants of potential concern with minerals in grout/cementitious materials. Organic species may interact with cementitious minerals including slag, fly ash, cement, and other components/dopants like carbon in fly ash. The identification of such interactions will support the solidification process design, performance assessments for the chemicals of concern, and a proposed Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) treatment variance specified for the Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) organics associated with Hanford tank waste. Inably expected to be present LDR organics associated with Hanford tank waste (RPP-RPT-63493, Rev 1a) was screened by functional groups, octanol-water partitioning coefficients, and detection frequency in Hanford tank waste samples. A subset of 10 compounds, spanning the identified properties, were tested using sorption and leachate tests. These compounds were subjected to traditional batch sorption tests and leaching tests on/from Cast Stone cementitious material with and without activated carbon (a potential organic adsorption additive). The interactions between organic compounds were observed in traditional batch sorption and modified Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) leachate tests for a surrogate Cast Stone material with and without an activated carbon addition. Specifically, phthalic acids (negatively charged) and 4-chloroaniline (polar) sorbed strongly to unmodified Cast Stone and a group of 3 phenolic compounds (2,4,6-Trichlorophenol, Pentachlorophenol, o-Cresol) were sorbed to and were retained by Cast Stone with a 1% activated carbon amendment.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2024

Affinity of LDR Organics to Cementitious Materials: Sorption and Leaching Tests

SRNL is working to identify and test the physiochemical interactions of organic contaminants of potential concern with minerals in grout/cementitious materials. Organic species may interact with cementitious minerals including slag, fly ash, cement, and other components/dopants like carbon in fly ash. The identification of such interactions will support the solidification process design, performance assessments for the chemicals of concern, and a proposed Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) treatment variance the technology-based treatment standard specified for the Land Disposal Restriction (LDR) organics associated with Hanford tank waste. In FY24, a list of the 132 reasonably expected to be present LDR organics associated with Hanford tank waste (RPP-RPT-63493, Rev 1a) was screened by functional groups, octanol-water partitioning coefficients, and detection frequency in Hanford tank waste samples. A subset of 10 compounds spanning the identified properties were tested using sorption and leachate tests. These compounds were subject to traditional batch sorption tests and leaching tests on/from Cast Stone cementitious material with and without activated carbon (a potential organic adsorption additive). The tests have been completed and analysis is underway but as yet currently unavailable. The analytical results (and conclusions) will be included in a forthcoming revision to this report as soon as they are available

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1976

Holographic Recording Materials Development

Organic photorefractive materials were evaluated for application in a reversible holographic memory system. Representative indigo and thioindigo derivatives and several stilbene derivatives were studied as well as 15, 16-dialkyldihydropyrene derivatives the following goals were achieved: (1) the successful writing of phase holograms in a thioindigo/polymer gel system, (2) the successful writing and erasing of phase holograms in a variety of indigo/polymer gel and indigo/solid polymer systems, and (3) the identification of indigoid dyes and 15, 16-dialkyldihydropyrene derivatives as materials potentially suitable for utilization in an operational system. Photochemical studies of the stilbene, indigo, thioindigo, and dialkyldihydropyrene derivatives in solution and in a variety of polymer matrix materials were conducted with the goal of optimizing the photorefractive behavior of the chemical system as a whole. The spectroscopic properties required of optimal photorefractive materials were identified, and it was shown that both the indigoid dyes and the dialkyldihydropyrenes closely match the required properties.

Verber, C. M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Light-driven C–H activation mediated by 2D transition metal dichalcogenides

C–H bond activation enables the facile synthesis of new chemicals. While C–H activation in short-chain alkanes has been widely investigated, it remains largely unexplored for long-chain organic molecules. Here, we report light-driven C–H activation in complex organic materials mediated by 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and the resultant solid-state synthesis of luminescent carbon dots in a spatially-resolved fashion. We unravel the efficient H adsorption and a lowered energy barrier of C–C coupling mediated by 2D TMDCs to promote C–H activation and carbon dots synthesis. Our results shed light on 2D materials for C–H activation in organic compounds for applications in organic chemistry, environmental remediation, and photonic materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Marine Algae Polysaccharides: An Overview of Characterization Techniques for Structural and Molecular Elucidation

Polysaccharides make up a large portion of the organic material from and in marine organisms. However, their structural characterization is often overlooked due to their complexity. With many high-value applications and unique bioactivities resulting from the polysaccharides’ complex and heterogeneous structures, dedicated analytical efforts become important to achieve structural elucidation. Because algae represent the largest marine resource of polysaccharides, the majority of the discussion is focused on well-known algae-based hydrocolloid polymers. The native environment of marine polysaccharides presents challenges to many conventional analytical techniques necessitating novel methodologies. We aim to deliver a review of the current state of the art in polysaccharide characterization, focused on capabilities as well as limitations in the context of marine environments. This review covers the extraction and isolation of marine polysaccharides, in addition to characterizations from monosaccharides to secondary and tertiary structures, highlighting a suite of analytical techniques.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1986

Making High-Porosity Alloy Spheroids

Noncontact process yields low-density, porous microstructure. Small spheroids of porous alloys with large surface area per unit volume produced by containerless processing method. Without container walls to serve as nucleation sites, alloy cools to well below normal freezing point without solidifying. Solidification then proceeds rapidly; interdendritic liquid pulled out by growing crystals, resulting in porous microstructure. The more rapid the cooling rate, the faster crystals grow and more porous solid becomes. Drop-tube method useful in creating porous microstructures from other materials including oxides, carbides, and organic materials. Other means of containerless processing - acoustic or air-jet levitation, low-gravity float melting, melt spinning, or jet spraying, adapted to process.

Ethridge, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Vertebrate gravity sensors as dynamic systems

This paper considers verterbrate gravity receptors as dynamic sensors. That is, it is hypothesized that gravity is a constant force to which an acceleration-sensing system would readily adapt. Premises are considered in light of the presence of kinocilia on hair cells of vertebrate gravity sensors; differences in loading of the sensors among species; and of possible reduction in loading by inclusion of much organic material in otoconia. Moreover, organic-inorganic interfaces may confer a piezoelectric property upon otoconia, which increase the sensitivity of the sensory system to small accelerations. Comparisons with man-made accelerometers are briefly taken up.

Ross, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Titan Orbiter Aerorover Mission

We propose a combined Titan orbiter and Titan Aerorover mission with an emphasis on both in situ and remote sensing measurements of Titan's surface, atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetospheric interaction. The biological aspect of the Titan environment will be emphasized by the mission (i.e., search for organic materials which may include simple organics to 'amono' analogues of amino acids and possibly more complex, lightening detection and infrared, ultraviolet, and charged particle interactions with Titan's surface and atmosphere). An international mission is assumed to control costs. NASA will provide the orbiter, launch vehicle, DSN coverage and operations, while international partners will provide the Aerorover and up to 30% of the cost for the scientific instruments through collaborative efforts. To further reduce costs we propose a single PI for orbiter science instruments and a single PI for Aerorover science instruments. This approach will provide single command/data and power interface between spacecraft and orbiter instruments that will have redundant central DPU and power converter for their instruments. A similar approach could be used for the Aerorover. The mission profile will be constructed to minimize conflicts between Aerorover science, orbiter radar science, orbiter radio science, orbiter imaging science, and orbiter fields and particles (FP) science. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Sittler Jr., E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Effects of Ground and Space Processing on the Properties of Organic, Polymeric, and Colloidal Materials

In recent years, a great deal of interest has been directed toward the use of organic materials in the development of high-efficiency optoelectronic and phototonic devices. There is a myriad of possibilities among organic materials which allow flexibility in the design of unique structures with a variety of functional groups. The use of nonlinear optical (NLO) organic materials as thin film wave-guides allows full exploitation of their desirable qualifies by permitting long interaction lengths and large susceptibilities allowing modest power input. There are several methods in use to prepare thin films such as Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) and self-assembly techniques, vapor deposition, growth from sheared solution or melt, and melt growth between glass plates. Organic-based materials have many features that make them desirable for use in optical devices, such as high second-and third-order nonlinearity, flexibility of molecular design, and damage resistance to optical radiation. However, their use in devices has been hindered by processing difficulties for crystals and thin films. We discuss the potential role of microgravity processing of a few organic and polymeric materials. It is of interest to note how materials with second-and third-order NLO behavior may be improved in a diffusion-limited environment and ways in which convection may be detrimental to these materials. We focus our discussion on third-order materials for all-optical switching, and second-order materials for frequency conversion and electrooptics. The goal of minimizing optical loss obviously depends on processing methods. For solution-based processes, such as solution crystal growth and solution photopolymerization, it is well known that thermal and solutal density gradients can initiate buoyancy-driven convection. Resultant fluid flows can affect transport of material to and from growth interfaces and become manifest in the morphology and homogeneity of the growing film or crystal. Likewise, buoyancy-driven convection can hinder production of defect-free, high-quality crystals or films during crystal and film growth by vapor deposition.

Frazier, Donald O.↗