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At least 163 records · Page 9

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NASA NTRS1997

Space Environmental Effects on the Optical Properties of Selected Transparent Polymers

Transparent polymer films are currently considered for use as solar concentrating lenses for spacecraft power and propulsion systems. These polymer films concentrate solar energy onto energy conversion devices such as solar cells and thermal energy systems. Conversion efficiency is directly related to the polymer transmission. Space environmental effects will decrease the transmission and thus reduce the conversion efficiency. This investigation focuses on the effects of ultraviolet and charged particle radiation on the transmission of selected transparent polymers. Multiple candidate polymer samples were exposed to near ultraviolet (NUV) radiation to screen the materials and select optimum materials for further study. All materials experienced transmission degradation of varying degree. A method was developed to normalize the transmission loss and thus rank the materials according to their tolerance of NUV. Teflon(Tm) FEP and Teflon(Tm) PFA were selected for further study. These materials were subjected to a combined charged particle dose equivalent to 5 years in a typical geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). Results from these NUV screening tests and the 5 year GEO equivalent dose are presented.

Edwards, David L.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Polymer coatings on zirconia microspheres via rotating flow fluid dynamics

Conventional tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coatings for nuclear fuels require multi-step and expensive formation processes; any breakage of the coatings may lead to fission species release. Polymer derived ceramic (PDC) coatings can be a suitable alternative to address these issues. In this study, allylhydridopolycarbosilane (SMP-10) coatings were created on yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) microspheres using a Rotating Flow Fluid Dynamics (RFFD) coating method. The effects of curing temperature, rotation speed, and coating cycle/time on the coating were analyzed. Surface functionalization of YSZ microspheres with NaOH resulted in good adhesion between the polymer precursor and the YSZ kernel particles. Spectroscopy analysis revealed complete curing of SMP-10 coated YSZ at 160 °C. Rotation speed and coating time significantly affect the coating characteristics. After 3 cycles at lower rotation speed (50 rpm) for 10 min each, the coating obtained was uniform and homogeneous. In comparison, the coating showed almost 10 times less eccentricity at a high rotation speed of 300 rpm. Compared with the coatings prepared at 300 rpm condition, the coatings have higher sphericity and lower eccentricity at 50 rpm. Overall, this study provides a novel and effective route for fabricating and curing SMP-10 precursor coatings on YSZ microspheres.

Ravi, Nivetha [University of Alabama, Birmingham]↗

NASA NTRS1978

Characterization of wear debris generated in accelerated rolling-element fatigue tests

A ferrographic analysis was used to determine the types and quantities of wear debris generated during accelerated rolling contact fatigue tests. The five-ball rolling contact fatigue tester was used. Ball specimens were made of a corrosion resistant, high-temperature bearing steel. The lubricant was a superrefined naphthenic mineral oil. Conditions included a maximum Hertz stress of 5.52 10 to the 9th power Pa and a shaft speed of 10,000 rpm. Four types of wear debris were observed: (1) normal rubbing wear particles, (2) fatigue microspall particles, (3) spheres, and (4) friction polymer deposits. The characterization of wear debris as a function of time was of limited use in predicting fatigue failures in these accelerated tests.

Jones, W. R., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Viscous drag reduction in boundary layers

The present volume discusses the development status of stability theory for laminar flow control design, applied aspects of laminar-flow technology, transition delays using compliant walls, the application of CFD to skin friction drag-reduction, active-wave control of boundary-layer transitions, and such passive turbulent-drag reduction methods as outer-layer manipulators and complex-curvature concepts. Also treated are such active turbulent drag-reduction technique applications as those pertinent to MHD flow drag reduction, as well as drag reduction in liquid boundary layers by gas injection, drag reduction by means of polymers and surfactants, drag reduction by particle addition, viscous drag reduction via surface mass injection, and interactive wall-turbulence control.

Bushnell, Dennis M.↗

NASA NTRS2011

A Multifunctional Coating for Autonomous Corrosion Control

This slide presentation reviews the effects of corrosion on various structures at the Kennedy Space Center, and the work to discover a corrosion control coating that will be autonomous and will indicate corrosion at an early point in the process. Kennedy Space Center has many environmental conditions that are corrosive: ocean salt spray, heat, humidity, sunlight and acidic exhaust from the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs). Presented is a chart which shows the corrosion rates of carbon steel at various locations. KSC has the highest corrosion rates with 42.0 mils/yr, leading the next highest Galeta Point Beach, in the Panama Canal Zone with 27 mils/yr corrosion. A chart shows the changes in corrosion rate with the distance from the ocean. The three types of corrosion protective coatings are described: barrier (passive), Barrier plus active corrosion inhibiting components, and smart. A smart coating will detect and respond actively to changes in its environment in a functional and predictable manner and is capable of adapting its properties dynamically. The smart coating uses microcapsules, particles or liquid drops coated in polymers, that can detect and control the corrosion caused by the environment. The mechanism for a pH sensitive microcapsule and the hydrophobic core microcapsule are demonstrated and the chemistry is reviewed. When corrosion begins, the microcapsule will release the contents of the core (indicator, inhibitor, and self healing agent) in close proximity to the corrosion. The response to a pH increase is demonstrated by a series of pictures that show the breakdown of the microcapsule and the contents release. An example of bolt corrosion is used, as an example of corrosion in places that are difficult to ascertain. A comparison of various coating systems is shown.

Calle, L. M.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Regolith-Derived Heat Shield for Planetary Body Entry and Descent System with In Situ Fabrication

In this paper we will discuss a new mass-efficient and innovative way of protecting high-mass spacecraft during planetary Entry, Descent & Landing (EDL). Heat shields fabricated in situ can provide a thermal-protection system (TPS) for spacecraft that routinely enter a planetary atmosphere. By fabricating the heat shield with space resources from regolith materials available on moons and asteroids, it is possible to avoid launching the heat-shield mass from Earth. Three regolith processing and manufacturing methods will be discussed: 1) oxygen & metal extraction ISRU processes produce glassy melts enriched in alumina and titania, processed to obtain variable density, high melting point and heat-resistance; 2) compression and sintering of the regolith yield low density materials; 3) in-situ derived high-temperature polymers are created to bind regolith particles together, with a lower energy budget.

Hogue, Michael D.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Relating viscosity to polymer concentration

Equation developed by VanDijk and first applied to viscosity of Newtonian suspension of rigid particles by Eilers is rearranged to yield intrinsic viscosity as explicit function of polymer concentration in polymer solvent system. Experiments have shown relationship valid for polymer solutions having relative viscosities ranging from 1 to 100.

Fedors, R. F.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Confusion-Driven Machine Learning of Structural Phases of a Flexible, Magnetic Stockmayer Polymer

We use a semisupervised, neural-network-based machine learning technique, the confusion method, to investigate structural transitions in magnetic polymers, which we model as chains of magnetic colloidal nanoparticles characterized by dipole–dipole and Lennard-Jones interactions. As input for the neural network, we use the particle positions and magnetic dipole moments of equilibrium polymer configurations, which we generate via replica-exchange Wang–Landau simulations. We demonstrate that by measuring the classification accuracy of neural networks, we can effectively identify transition points between multiple structural phases without any prior knowledge of their existence or location. We corroborate our findings by investigating relevant conventional order parameters. Our study furthermore examines previously unexplored low-temperature regions of the phase diagram, where we find new structural transitions between highly ordered helicoidal polymer configurations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS2009

Multilayer Electroactive Polymer Composite Material Comprising Carbon Nanotubes

An electroactive material comprises multiple layers of electroactive composite with each layer having unique dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties that define an electromechanical operation thereof when affected by an external stimulus. For example, each layer can be (i) a 2-phase composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electromechanical operation, or (ii) a 3-phase composite having the elements of the 2-phase composite and further including a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic incorporated in the polymer matrix.

Ounaies, Zoubeida↗

NASA NTRS2011

Multilayer Electroactive Polymer Composite Material

Ounaies, Zoubeida↗

NASA NTRS1994

Composite Solid Electrolyte For Lithium Cells

Composite solid electrolyte material consists of very small particles, each coated with thin layer of Lil, bonded together with polymer electrolyte or other organic binder. Material offers significant advantages over other solid electrolytes in lithium cells and batteries. Features include high ionic conductivity and strength. Composite solid electrolyte expected to exhibit flexibility of polymeric electrolytes. Polymer in composite solid electrolyte serves two purposes: used as binder alone, conduction taking place only in AI2O3 particles coated with solid Lil; or used as both binder and polymeric electrolyte, providing ionic conductivity between solid particles that it binds together.

Peled, Emmanuel↗

DOE OSTI2025

Fluid-like shock compression of dilute polymer nanocomposites

The shock Hugoniot of heterogenous mixtures of discrete particles has been experimentally investigated for porous agglomerates and fluids, while the study of full-density solids has been primarily limited to compressed powders and high-dimensional composites. By dispersing ceria nanoparticles in a polyethylene matrix, we are able to examine the hydrodynamic behavior of a nonporous, heterogenous solid in thermal equilibrium during weak shock compression. Phase-driven discontinuities in the Hugoniot particle velocity–shock velocity (u−D) relationship of pure polyethylene are replicated in the nanocomposites but are shifted to lower velocity and to higher pressure with higher particle concentration. The results are explained using an isothermal, two-velocity fluid model under the hydrodynamic approximation. The model, which assumes a theoretical equation-of-state for ceria and either a low-order or high-order fit to the measured polyethylene Hugoniot, reasonably predicts the Hugoniot for two different polyethylene/ceria nanocomposites. Using the model, the mixture Hugoniot is shown to be insensitive to the Hugoniot of the stiffer constituent when the moduli are sufficiently disparate, while dependence on particle density and volume fraction is preserved through fluid-like motion.

Moore, Nathan W. [Sandia National Laboratories (SN↗

NASA NTRS1978

Carbon suboxide polymer, an explanation for the wave of darkening on Mars

The carbon suboxide thermal polymer or its irradiated product is affected by water vapor. The polymerized carbon suboxide simulates the Martian wave of darkening on the inner wall of a glass tube when humidified by passage of water vapor through the tube. The polymer was visibly darkened by the advancing vapor front. With increasing polymer thickness and/or water vapor concentration the wave of darkening similarly intensifies simulating the dark fringe in the Martian circumpolar areas. Surfaces are lightened constantly being renewed by particulate material settling from the atmosphere. It is hypothesized that light and dark areas have polymer coatings, but light areas have small particles which scatter white light more effectively and appear brighter on the surface of Mars.

Oyama, V. I.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Cationic vinyl pyridine copolymers and products thereof

Quaternized, cross-linked, insoluble copolymers of unsubstituted and substituted vinyl pyridines and a dihalo organic compound are spontaneously formed at ambient temperature on mixing the two monomers in bulk, in solution or in suspension. The amount of cross-linking may be varied according to the composition and reaction conditions. The polymer product exhibits ion exchange capacity and undergoes a reversible color change from black at a pH above 7 to yellow at a pH below 7. The polymer may be formed in the presence of preformed polymers, substrates such as porous or impervious particles or films to deposit an ion exchange film in situ or on the surface of the substrate. The coated or resin impregnated substrate may be utilized for separation of anionic species from aqueous solution.

Rembaum, Alan↗

NASA NTRS1990

Laboratory studies of polyoxymethylene - Application to comets

Formaldehyde polymer mass spectra gathered by means of the particle beam and direct insertion probe system indicate that these substances can evaporate at 300 K and yield gas-phase polyoxymethylene glycols in the presence of water. These experimental results are presently used to ascertain the likely origin of the polymeric ions that have been observed with the Giotto mission's PICCA instrument. The experimental results are held to be in keeping with the hypothesized presence of formaldehyde polymers in comets.

Moller, Gregory↗

NASA NTRS2005

Polyimide-Clay Composite Materials for Space Application

The introduction of nanometer-sized clay particles into a polyimide matrix has been shown to enhance the physical properties of specific polymer systems. The clay comprises large stacked platelets of the oxides of aluminum and silicon. These sheets have long dimensions on the order of tenths of a micrometer and thicknesses of several nanometers. Homogeneous dispersion of the clay platelets in the polymer matrix is necessary to achieve those enhancements in polymer properties. Natural montmorillonite with the empirical formula Na0.33Mg0.33Al1.67(OH)2(Si4O10) contains exchangeable inorganic cations. The clay lamellae stack together with the positive sodium ions situated between the surfaces of the individual sheets to balance negatively charged oxygen atoms that are on the surfaces of the sheets. These surface charges contribute to strong electrostatic forces which hold the sheets together tightly. Exfoliation can be accomplished only with unusual measures. In preparing clay nanocomposites, we have taken two steps to try to reduce these interlamellar forces in order to promote the separation (exfoliation) of the sheets and the dispersion of the individual clay particles throughout the organic polymer matrix. In the first step, some of the surface Na(+) ions are replaced with Li(+) ions. Unlike sodium cations, the lithium cations migrate into the interior of the lamellae when the system is heated. Their departure from the surface reduces the surface charge and therefore the attractive forces between the sheets. The loss of alkali metal cations from the surface can be measured as the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the clay. For example, we found that the CEC of montmorillonite clay was reduced by almost two thirds by treating it with lithium ions and heating to 250 C for 24 hr. Lesser heating has a smaller effect on the CEC. X-ray diffraction measurements show that the d-spacing decreased from ca. 1.34 to 0.97 nm, apparently a consequence of a collapse of the clay layers. We observed that the d-spacing can be varied by altering the heat treatment. In the second part of our effort to reduce the interlamellar forces, the remaining inorganic surface cations were replaced by the trimethylphenylammonium ion (TMPA), the biphenyltrimethylammonium ion (BTMA), or the tetraphenylphosphonium ion (TPP).

Orwoll, Robert A.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Tunable structure and reinforcement of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels using fungal chitin particles

Polysaccharides, including chitin, are one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature and are increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics and synthetic fillers in polymer composites. Traditionally sourced from crustacean shells, chitin offers mechanical strength and biocompatibility with limitations also in processability and functionality. Fungal-derived chitin material represents a promising alternative, with advantages including scalable fermentation on low-cost substrates, absence of shellfish allergens, and tunable molecular architectures that vary by species, developmental stage, and growth environment. Here, in this study, we systematically examined chitinous materials obtained from taxonomically and functionally distinct fungi, Laccaria bicolor, Trichoderma reesei and Rhizopus oryzae, to assess their structural, chemical, and morphological properties as reinforcement agents in polymer composites. Mild alkaline pretreatment was employed to obtain mycelium chitin particles, thereby improving accessibility to chitin and co-occurring β-D-glucans while maintaining microparticle integrity. Comprehensive FTIR and solid-state NMR analyses revealed species-specific differences in chemical composition and microstructure, with R. oryzae exhibiting a unique spectral signature. These fungal-derived chitin were then incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels, where they acted as reinforcing fillers without the need for additional chemical crosslinkers. Comparative evaluation of hydrogel properties demonstrated that fungal chitin significantly enhanced mechanical performance, with all mycelium fillers mitigating the water weakening in PVA hydrogels. R. oryzae-derived composites tripled the hydrogel tensile strength while the submicron fibrous morphology in L. bicolor contributes to over 45 % tensile improvement in dry PVA composites. Our findings highlight the potential of fungal biomass as a tunable, sustainable platform for producing chitin-based reinforcing agents.

Chitin↗

DOE OSTI2026

Structural and physicochemical insights into pH-responsive poly(DEAEMA- co -HEMA)-grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SiO 2 ) grafted with responsive polymer shells are versatile hybrid systems. Understanding their three-dimensional organization in the hydrated state remains a significant challenge. Here, in this study, SiO 2 nanoparticles were functionalized with a poly(DEAEMA-co-HEMA) shell via a “grafting-from” polymerization strategy in aqueous media. Successful surface modification was confirmed by FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N 2 sorption, and ζ-potential, yielding grafting contents of 22% (p1 DEAEMA-co-HEMA ) and 49% (p2 DEAEMA-co-HEMA ). Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with solvent contrast variation was employed to elucidate the solution-state core–shell architecture of p1 and p2 hybrids at pH 2, where the grafted polymer shell is protonated and highly hydrated. Near contrast matching of the silica core, theoretically estimated at 58% D 2 O, suppressed the scattering intensity, enhancing sensitivity to the polymer shell. Constrained core–shell ellipsoid modeling across solvent contrasts revealed a systematic increase in shell thickness, overall particle dimensions, and shell anisotropy with increasing grafting content. In solution, the hydrated polymer shells were markedly more extended and structurally anisotropic than suggested by dry-state techniques structural characterization, highlighting the importance of solution-state structural analysis for accurately describing grafted polymer architectures.

Core-shell biomaterials↗