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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
DOE OSTI2025

Enhancing The Thermal Resistivity of Rigid Polyisocyanurate Foam Insulation

The development of rigid polyurethane foam insulation has garnered considerable attention because of its promising applications in the buildings and construction industry. Its low thermal conductivity makes it an attractive choice for improving energy performance in buildings. Current Rigid Polyurethane foams have thermal resistivity (R-value/in.) 5.5 to 6.5 h.ft2F/BTU/in.· that could be further improved by diminishing the heat transfer through the foam matrix. Nevertheless, minimizing both conduction (through gas and solid) and radiation simultaneously in porous solids is a significant challenge due to the trade-off between these two mechanisms. This study focuses on improving the R-value of the insulation foams via several strategies: such as type and the amount of the surfactants, blowing agent content and precooling and premixing polyol mixture. These methods optimized thermal properties of the PIR foams, achieving R/in. as high as 8.3. This excellent R/in. is anticipated to be a critical factor in significantly advancing the thermal insulation performance of rigid polyurethane cellular foams, thereby enhancing their efficacy in energy-efficient building applications.

Wanasinghe Mudiyanselage Pahala Gedara, Shiwanka V↗
DOE OSTI2025

Co-Catalyst Enabled Biotransformation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids for Biobased Monomers

Enzymatic lipid epoxidation offers a promising approach to obtain renewable intermediates for biomaterials, but regiochemical control of these reactions has remained elusive. Here we report the discovery and application of artificial cocatalysts to direct the regioselectivity of catalytic epoxidation with the lipase CpLIP2. The methyl esters of alkyl dicarboxylic acids show the unique ability to direct regioselective epoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, major components of plant and algae-based oils. We apply this transformation to the conversion of linoleic acid into sebacic acid, a dicarboxylic acid precursor valuable for biobased polyester polyurethanes, through a six-step pathway involving a regioselective Meinwald rearrangement. To highlight the route’s significance, sebacic acid was used to prepare a 100% biobased thermoplastic polyurethane, illustrating the relevance of this pathway to industrial applications. Furthermore, this regioselective chemoenzymatic oxidation and rearrangement process can be used to access multiple dicarboxylic acids that have remained previously unexplored as biobased monomers.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Damage progression and failure of SiC/SiC composite tubes under hard-contact radial expansion

The response of silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composite cladding to mechanical interaction with fissile fuel is a knowledge gap that must be overcome to design and assess SiC-based cladding systems for advanced nuclear applications. This study developed the relevant mechanical testing capability and identified the failure behavior and the critical microstructural features and processing defects. Sections of SiC composite tube were subjected to a modified expansion-due-to-compression (EDC) test in an X-ray computed tomography microscope: a polyurethane plug pressed surrogate Al 2 O 3 into the inner walls of the SiC/SiC composite tubes to achieve hard contact. A pure EDC test with just a polyurethane plug was also performed as a reference. Through the use of displacement fields, digital volume correlation revealed inhomogeneous deformation fields in the tubes, even for pure EDC, which was related to the inherent defects in the structure. Deep learning–aided segmentation and systematic data analysis revealed that the presence of inhomogeneous deformation applied by the hard contact was exaggerated by the presence of inner surface imperfections left behind from the matrix densification process. In conclusion, the findings provide insights into the applications, highlighting the necessity for improvements in inner surface roughness and the incorporation of localized contacts in pellet–cladding mechanical interaction computational models.

Composites↗
DOE OSTI2024

Engineering the Novel Extremophile Alga Chlamydomonas pacifica for High Lipid and High Starch Production as a Path to Developing Commercially Relevant Strains

Microalgae offer a compelling platform for the production of commodity products, due to their superior photosynthetic efficiency, adaptability to nonarable lands and nonpotable water, and their capacity to produce a versatile array of bioproducts, including biofuels and biomaterials. However, the scalability of microalgae as a bioresource has been hindered by challenges such as costly biomass production related to vulnerability to pond crashes during large-scale cultivation. This study presents a pipeline for the genetic engineering and pilot-scale production of biodiesel and thermoplastic polyurethane precursors in the extremophile species Chlamydomonas pacifica. This extremophile microalga exhibits exceptional resilience to high pH (>11.5), high salinity (up to 2% NaCl), and elevated temperatures (up to 42 °C). Initially, we evolved this strain to also have a high tolerance to high light intensity (>2000 μE/m 2 /s) through mutagenesis, breeding, and selection. We subsequently genetically engineered C. pacifica to significantly enhance lipid production by 28% and starch accumulation by 27%, all without affecting its growth rate. We demonstrated the scalability of these engineered strains by cultivating them in pilot-scale raceway ponds and converting the resulting biomass into biodiesel and thermoplastic polyurethanes. This study showcases the complete cycle of transforming a newly discovered species into a commercially relevant commodity production strain. This research underscores the potential of extremophile algae, including C. pacifica, as a key species for the burgeoning sustainable bioeconomy, offering a viable path forward in mitigating environmental challenges and supporting global bioproduct demands.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Efficient secretion of a plastic degrading enzyme from the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Abstract Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with microplastics contaminating every environment on the planet, including our food, water, and even our bodies. In response, there is a growing interest in developing plastics that biodegrade naturally, thus avoiding the creation of persistent microplastics. As a mechanism to increase the rate of polyester plastic degradation, we examined the potential of using the green microalgaChlamydomonas reinhardtiifor the expression and secretion of PHL7, an enzyme that breaks down post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics. We engineeredC. reinhardtiito secrete active PHL7 enzyme and selected strains showing robust expression, by using agar plates containing a polyester polyurethane (PU) dispersion as an efficient screening tool. This method demonstrated the enzyme’s efficacy in degrading ester bond-containing plastics, such as PET and bio-based polyurethanes, and highlights the potential for microalgae to be implemented in environmental biotechnology. The effectiveness of algal-expressed PHL7 in degrading plastics was shown by incubating PET with the supernatant from engineered strains, resulting in substantial plastic degradation, confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis of terephthalic acid formation from PET. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of polyester plastic recycling using microalgae to produce plastic-degrading enzymes. This eco-friendly approach can support global efforts toward eliminating plastic in our environment, and aligns with the pursuit of low-carbon materials, as these engineered algae can also produce plastic monomer precursors. Finally, this data demonstratesC. reinhardtiicapabilities for recombinant enzyme production and secretion, offering a “green” alternative to traditional industrial enzyme production methods.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Efficient secretion of a plastic degrading enzyme from the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

AbstractPlastic pollution has become a global crisis, with microplastics contaminating every environment on the planet, including our food, water, and even our bodies. In response, there is a growing interest in developing plastics that biodegrade naturally, thus avoiding the creation of persistent microplastics. As a mechanism to increase the rate of polyester plastic degradation, we examined the potential of using the green microalgaChlamydomonas reinhardtiifor the expression and secretion of PHL7, an enzyme that breaks down post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics. We engineeredC. reinhardtiito secrete active PHL7 enzyme and selected strains showing robust expression, by using agar plates containing a polyester polyurethane (PU) dispersion as an efficient screening tool. This method demonstrated the enzyme’s efficacy in degrading ester bond-containing plastics, such as PET and bio-based polyurethanes, and highlights the potential for microalgae to be implemented in environmental biotechnology. The effectiveness of algal-expressed PHL7 in degrading plastics was shown by incubating PET with the supernatant from engineered strains, resulting in substantial plastic degradation, confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis of terephthalic acid (TPA) formation from PET. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of polyester plastic recycling using microalgae to produce plastic-degrading enzymes. This eco-friendly approach can support global efforts toward eliminating plastic in our environment, and aligns with the pursuit of low-carbon materials, as these engineered algae can also produce plastic monomer precursors. Finally, this data demonstratesC. reinhardtiicapabilities for recombinant enzyme production and secretion, offering a “green” alternative to traditional industrial enzyme production methods.Graphical Abstract

Molino, João Vitor Dutra (ORCID:0000000324759807)↗
NASA NTRS1968

Fire retardant foams developed to suppress fuel fires

Heat insulating polyurethane foam retards and suppresses fuel fires. Uniformly dispersed in the foam is a halogenated polymer capable of splitting off hydrogen halide upon heating and charring of the polyurethane.

Fish, R.↗
NASA NTRS1970

Nonflammable organic adhesives effective over wide temperature range

Series of highly fluorinated polyurethanes have been prepared as basis for development of nonflammable structural adhesives for use over wide temperature range. Backbone of polyurethanes is polyether of perfluoropropylene oxide. Adhesive system is developed that exhibits adequate strength properties and is self-extinguishing in oxygen-rich atmospheres.

Mc Leod, A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Non-flammable elastomeric fiber from a fluorinated elastomer and containing an halogenated flame retardant

Flame retardant elastomeric compositions are described comprised of either spandex type polyurethane having incorporated into the polymer chain halogen containing polyols, conventional spandex type polyurethanes in physical admixture with flame retardant additives, or fluoroelastomeric resins in physical admixture with flame retardant additives. Methods are described for preparing fibers of the flame retardant elastomeric materials and articles of manufacture comprised of the flame retardant clastomeric materials and non elastic materials such as polybenzimidazoles, fiberglass, nylons, etc.

Howarth, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Relative toxicity of pyrolysis products of some cellular polymers

Twelve samples of cellular polymers were evaluated in the course of developing test methods for toxic materials characterization. Six samples were flexible polyurethane foams, three were rigid polyurethane foams, two were high density rigid foams, and one was a modified polyimide foam. Some effects of formulation variables are discussed.

Hilado, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Development and fabrication of an advanced liquid cooling garment

The elastomeric film fin/tube concept which was developed is a composite of polyurethane film, fine expanded silver mesh, a serpentine pattern polyurethane transport tubing and an integral comfort liner, all bonded via adhesive application and vacuum-bagged for final cure. As demonstrated by thermal analysis, the composite garment material is capable of removing a 293 watt (1000 BTU/hr) metabolic load through a head and torso cooling area of .46 sq m (5 sq ft) with tube spacing of slightly under one inch. A total of 60 test elements, each .15m x .15m (6 in. x 6 in.) were fabricated in support of the liquid cooling garment concept development. In parallel with the fabrication of these elements a continuing series of laboratory tests to support the fabrication techniques was carried out. The elements and supporting tests are described.

Leith, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Effect of water and ice on strength and fracture toughness of intermittently bonded boron-epoxy composites

The effects of water and ice on the strength and fracture toughness of boron-epoxy composites with polyurethane intermittent bonding have been investigated. Neither simple soaking in water nor soaking followed by freezing and thawing have marked effects on the strength of the fully-coated composites, but they have disastrous effects on the uncoated composites. Toughness is affected only marginally, with some small reductions in the fully-coated samples, and with essentially no effect on the uncoated composites. An analysis is presented which explains adequately the experimental strength and toughness results obtained, and which is based on an argument that water absorption reduces the interfacial shear strength only of the uncoated areas and not those regions coated by the polyurethane varnish. The results indicate that the advantages of appropriate intermittent bonding (i.e., high strength combined with high toughness) are retained in wet conditions so that such composites may be favorably used in such adverse environmental conditions.

Atkins, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Process for spinning flame retardant elastomeric compositions

Flame retardant elastomeric compositions comprised of either spandex type polyurethane having halogen containing polyols incorporated into the polymer chain, conventional spandex type polyurethanes in physical admixture with flame retardant additives, or fluoroelastomeric resins in physical admixture with flame retardant additives were developed. Methods are described for preparing fibers of the flame retardant elastomeric materials and manufactured articles as well as nonelastic materials such as polybenzimidazoles, fiberglass, and nylons, for high oxygen environments.

Howarth, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Durability of foam insulation for LH2 fuel tanks of future subsonic transports

In connection with the potential short-supply of petroleum based fuels, NASA has initiated investigations concerning the feasibility of aircraft using as fuel hydrogen which is to be stored in liquid form. One of the problems to be solved for an operation of such aircraft is related to the possibility of a suitable storage of the liquid hydrogen. A description is presented of an experimental study regarding the suitability of commercially available organic foams as cryogenic insulation for liquid hydrogen tanks under extensive thermal cycling typical of subsonic airline type operation. Fourteen commercially available organic foam insulations were tested. The thermal performance of all insulations was found to deteriorate with increased simulated flight cycles. Two unreinforced polyurethane foams survived over 4200 thermal cycles (representative of approximately 15 years of airline service) without evidence of structural deterioration. The polyurethane foam insulations also exhibited excellent thermal performance.

Sharpe, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Sterilizable Binder Is Stable at 135 degrees C

Polyurethane binder for solid propellants endures heat sterilization without decomposition based on an ester diol. Binder resists oxidation under prolonged exposure to 135 degrees C temperature, low enough in viscosity to be handled easily during processing, and readily mixed with oxidizers, such as ammonium perchlorate. Polyurethane is also suitable material for encapsulants, potting compounds, and coatings that must be sterilized.

Kalfayan, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Aircraft surface coatings for drag reduction/erosion protection

The laboratory testing of a large number of films and liquid coatings for aircraft drag reduction and erosion protection has led to the identification of elastomeric polyurethanes, which fulfil smoothness, durability and protection requirements while being easily applied to large, compound-curvature areas with standard spray equipment. It was found that an epoxy primer produced a stronger bond between coating and substrate than a wash primer. A drag-reduction value of 0.2% was achieved with a commercially-available elastomeric polyurethane.

Kreitinger, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Test methodology for evaluation of fireworthy aircraft seat cushions

Aircraft seat materials were evaluated in terms of their thermal performance. The materials were evaluated using (a) thermogravimetric analysis, (b) differential scanning calorimetry, (c) a modified NBS smoke chamber to determine the rate of mass loss and (d) the NASA T-3 apparatus to determine the thermal efficiency. In this paper, the modified NBS smoke chamber will be described in detail since it provided the most conclusive results. The NBS smoke chamber was modified to measure the weight loss of materials when exposed to a radiant heat source over the range of 2.5 to 7.5 W/cm sq. This chamber has been utilized to evaluate the thermal performance of various heat blocking layers utilized to protect the polyurethane cushioning foam used in aircraft seats. Various kinds of heat blocking layers were evaluated by monitoring the weight loss of miniature seat cushions when exposed to the radiant heat. The effectiveness of aluminized heat blocking systems was demonstrated when compared to conventional heat blocking layers such as neoprene. All heat blocking systems showed good fire protection capabilities when compared to the state-of-the-art, i.e., wool-nylon over polyurethane foam.

Kourtides, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Aircraft surface coatings

Liquid, spray on elastomeric polyurethanes are selected and investigated as best candidates for aircraft external protective coatings. Flight tests are conducted to measure drag effects of these coatings compared to paints and a bare metal surface. The durability of two elastometric polyurethanes are assessed in airline flight service evaluations. Laboratory tests are performed to determine corrosion protection properties, compatibility with aircraft thermal anti-icing systems, the effect of coating thickness on erosion durability, and the erosion characteristics of composite leading edges-bare and coated. A cost and benefits assessment is made to determine the economic value of various coating configurations to the airlines.

Source record↗