Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Moisture Barrier”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Evaluation of moisture barrier coatings on carbon-phenolic SRM nozzle materials

The carbon-phenolic composite ablative material used on the Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) nozzle is known to absorb moisture from the atmosphere. This could cause problems such as pocketing during firing. Several moisture barrier coatings were tested on the SRM nozzle material. Data are presented for six of the 12 coatings to be tested. The data were obtained from immersion of coated samples in an environmental chamber at 100 F and 100% relative humidity and by using a modified TGA (thermal gravimetric analysis) technique. The TGA technique involved allowing wet nitrogen (25 C, 80% relative humidity) to flow across a small sample at about 65 cu cm per minute while continually monitoring the weight increase. These preliminary results show Kel-F-800, a material supplied by 3M Corporation to be the better moisture barrier. A second task was to collect data on the relative absorption of water and kerosene into the carbon-phenolic SRM nozzle material. These data indicate that water absorbs into the nozzle material to a much greater extent than kerosene. Thus kerosene is the more likely solvent in which to make specific gravity measurements on the SRM nozzle material.

Mcnutt, Ronald C.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Evaluation of GE-167 Silicone Rubber (RTV) For Possible Service As A Moisture-Barrier For Certain Strain Gage Applications

The Langley Research Center uses strain gages in a wide variety of demanding test environments. Strain gage installations, depending on the testing scenario, may see high temperatures, cryogenic temperature, moisture accumulation, mechanical abuse, or any combination of these conditions. At Langley, there is often a need to provide protection for strain gages against moisture and mechanical abuse, especially when large-scale, harsh environment testing is to be encountered. This technical memorandum discusses the evaluation of a room temperature curing silicone rubber sealant manufactured by the General Electric Company for consideration as a moisture-barrier for certain strain gage installations.

Hare, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Diamondlike carbon as a moisture barrier and antireflecting coating on optical materials

Diamondlike carbon (DLC) is amorphous, hard, semitransparent, and is under consideration for use as a coating material for infrared optics. DLC is also designated as a-C:H to indicate its amorphous nature as well as to indicate the presence of large (20 to 55 percent) amounts of hydrogen in the film. Two important questions arise with respect to use of DLC in infrared optics. Will the lack of grain boundaries help to keep moisture from penetrating the film. Secondly, application as an antireflection coating places restrictions on the allowed values of the index of refraction of the film relative to the particular substrate material being used. Will DLC have the correct index range. These two questions are addressed in this paper.

Woollam, John A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Fire Resistant, Moisture Barrier Membrane

A waterproof and breathable, fire-resistant laminate is provided for use in tents, garments, shoes, and covers, especially in industrial, military and emergency situations. The laminate permits water vapor evaporation while simultaneously preventing liquid water penetration. Further, the laminate is fire-resistant and significantly reduces the danger of toxic compound production when exposed to flame or other high heat source. The laminate may be applied to a variety of substrates and is comprised of a silicone rubber and plurality of fire-resistant, inherently thermally-stable polyimide particles.

St.Clair, Terry L.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Fire Resistant, Moisture Barrier Membrane

A waterproof and breathable, fire-resistant laminate is provided for use in tents, garments, shoes, and covers, especially in industrial, military and emergency situations. The laminate permits water vapor evaporation while simultaneously preventing liquid water penetration. Further, the laminate is fire-resistant and significantly reduces the danger of toxic compound production when exposed to flame or other high heat source. The laminate may be applied to a variety of substrates and is comprised of a silicone rubber and plurality of fire-resistant, inherently thermally-stable polyimide particles.

St.Clair, Terry L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Multifunction Hydrophobic Ligand Engineered Cd(S, Se)/ZnS Quantum Dots for Stabilizing Highly Efficient Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells

The long-term operational stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) remains a key challenge impeding their commercialization, particularly due to ambient environments (e.g., moisture, oxygen, heat)-induced degradation. Carbon electrode-based PSCs have emerged as cost-effective and relatively stable alternatives to metal electrode-based devices due to carbon materials' hydrophobic behavior, yet they still lag in both long-term durability and power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, an ultrathin hydrophobic ligand-modified core–shell Cd(S,Se)/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) capping layer is introduced as a multifunctional interfacial modifier for carbon-electrode-based PSCs. This oleic acid ligand-modified QDs capping layer exhibits inherent hydrophobicity, effectively serving as a moisture barrier to retard perovskite degradation under ambient conditions. Furthermore, the strong interfacial bonding between the QDs and perovskite halide surfaces leads to efficient trap state passivation, reducing trap density and creating a more uniform electrical contact. The modified QDs/perovskite interface also features an elevated conduction band edge, promoting improved charge extraction. As a result, devices incorporating this quantum dot capping layer retain 98% of their initial PCE after 450 h of ambient aging and achieve a champion efficiency of 20.74%. As a result, this strategy highlights the potential of hydrophobic ligand-modified chalcogenide QDs as surface modifiers to enhance both the stability and performance of carbon-based PSCs, offering a promising route toward scalable fabrication of durable perovskite solar modules.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

In-Silico Design of Next Generation Cellulose-Derived Packaging Materials (CRADA Final Report)

Developing sustainable solutions for single-use packaging is an important objective to combat the environmental crisis of plastics pollution. Most embodiments of cellulose-based packaging materials, including CellophaneTM, are completely biodegradable in both terrestrial and marine environments. However, petroleum-derived alternatives offer some performance advantages for metrics such as moisture barriers and mechanical properties. This project leverages molecular dynamics simulation to investigate how molecular modifications to cellulose-based polymer assemblies impact their material properties. An important performance criterion for the modified materials was to retain biodegradability; thus, modifications by naturally occurring, biodegradable additives were the focus of this study. Specifically, we developed models with xylan and lignin of varying monomeric compositions into the cellulose matrix. The mechanical properties were investigated by performing stress-strain simulations, and the water barrier and hydrophobicity were investigated by simulating the water contact angle. Our findings indicate that the incorporation of xylan into the cellulose matrix tends to increase the mechanical properties with an optimal loading of ~27 wt%. We also predict that orienting the nanoscale directionality of the xylan chains such that they are perpendicular to the cellulose fibrils will dramatically increase mechanical strength. In contrast, the incorporation of lignin tends to weaken the composite at all loadings investigated. Simulations of water contact angle predicted that coating polymers on the surface of the cellulose assembly creates a more hydrophobic surface than incorporating them throughout the matrix. Of the coatings investigated, lignin resulted in the most hydrophobic surface, followed by pectin and keratin, which both imparted modest increases in hydrophobicity. Future experimental work done by Futamura will focus on designing material prototypes to capitalize on the predictions of performance enhancement obtained from molecular modeling. While substantial progress was made by the simulations performed in this project, there still exists a vast parameter space that we were unable to investigate, including branching, functional group decoration, and degree of polymerization of polymer additives. However, the methods developed in this initial investigation will facilitate more rapid evaluation of the impact of molecular characteristics on the performance of biopolymer composite materials and thereby accelerate future materials discovery efforts in this area.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

All-Polyester Multilayer Plastics (‘All-Polyester MLPs’): A Redesign for Inherently Recyclable Plastics

Multilayer plastics (MLPs) are widely used in modern packaging because they combine multiple functions such as oxygen and moisture barriers, mechanical strength, puncture resistance, and heat sealability into lightweight and cost-effective packaging solutions. These attributes are essential for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods packaging. However, conventional commercial MLPs typically consist of five to twelve layers made from chemically incompatible materials, including polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), adhesives, and tie layers. This complexity makes MLPs extremely difficult to recycle. As a result, the vast majority of multilayer plastics (MLPs) are disposed of through landfilling or incineration. This disposal pathway perpetuates demand for virgin material production, thereby driving high industrial energy consumption, increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and contributing to the long-term accumulation of plastic waste. The scope of work included: (1) Design and fabrication of all-polyester multilayer structures using commercially relevant processing methods; (2) Experimental validation of barrier, mechanical, and sealing performance; (3) Demonstration of both mechanical and chemical recycling pathways; and (4) Comprehensive techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify cost, energy, and environmental impacts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1973

A Non Rigid Reusable Surface Insulation Concept for the Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System

A reusable thermal protection system concept was developed for the space shuttle that utilizes a flexible, woven ceramic mat insulation beneath an aerodynamic skin and moisture barrier consisting of either a dense ceramic coating or a super alloy metallic foil. The resulting heat shield material has unique structural characteristics. The shear modulus of the woven mat is very low such that bending and membrane loads introduced into the underlying structural panel remain isolated from the surface skin.

Alexander, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Coating processes for increasing the moisture resistance of polyurethane baffle material

An investigation was conducted with the objective to improve the hydrolytic stability of reticulated polyurethane baffle material. This material is used in fuel tanks of aircraft and ground vehicles. The most commonly used foam of this type is hydrolytically unstable. Potential moisture barrier coatings which were evaluated include Parylene, epoxy-polysulfide, polyether based polyurethanes, polysulfides, polyolefin rubbers, and several other materials. Parylene coatings of at least 0.2 mil were found to provide the greatest improvement in hydrolytic stability.

Bilow, N.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Storage stability and improvement of intermediate moisture foods, phase 2

Methods for improvement of shelf-life stability of intermediate moisture foods are considered. It was found that vitamin C is the most limiting vitamin from a nutritional standpoint with its rate of destruction increasing with a sub w. Techniques for microbial challenge studies were developed. It was shown that organisms have a higher growth a sub w limit if the IMF is prepared by the adsorption process and long times are needed for challenge studies. Several alternative antimycotic systems were found. It was also found that the vegetative cells of pathogens have a maximum heat resistance in the IMF a sub w range. If glycols are in the formula, the IMF should have as high an a sub w as possible. The reverse is true if lipid oxidation occurs. In addition, to prevent rancidity, antioxidants and a low O2 atmosphere are necessary. The package also must be a good moisture barrier.

Labuza, T. P.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Evaluations of candidate encapsulation designs and materials for low-cost silicon photovoltaic arrays

Three encapsulation designs for silicon photovoltaic arrays based on cells with silk-screened Ag metallization have been evaluated: transparent polymeric coatings over cells laminated between two films or sheets of polymeric materials; cells adhesively bonded to a glass cover with a polymer pottant and a glass or other substrate component. Silicone and acrylic coatings were assessed, together with acrylic sheet, 0.635 mm fiberglass-reinforced polyester sheet, 0.102 mm polycarbonate/acrylic dual-layer film, 0.127 mm fluorocarbon film, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, low-iron glass, and several adhesives. The encapsulation materials were characterized by light transmittance measurements, determination of moisture barrier properties and bond strengths, and by the performance of cells before and after encapsulation. Silicon and acrylic coatings provided inadequate protection. Acrylic and fluorocarbon films displayed good weatherability and acceptable optical transmittance. Borosilicate, low-iron and soda-lime-float glasses were found to be acceptable candidate encapsulants for most environments.

Gaines, G. B.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Use of Several Thermal Analysis Techniques on a Hypalon Paint Coating for the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) of the Space Shuttle

White Hypalon paint is brush-applied as a moisture barrier coating over cork surfaces on each of the two Space Shuttle SRBS. Fine cracks have been observed in the Hypalon coating three times historically on laboratory witness panels, but never on flight hardware. Recent samples of the cracked and standard ("good") Hypalon were removed from cork surfaces and were tested by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Thermomechanical (TMA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis techniques. The TGA data showed that at 700 C, where only paint pigment solids remain, the cracked material had about 9 weight percent more material remaining than the standard material, probably indicating incomplete mixing of the paint before it was brush-applied to produce the cracked material. Use of the TMA film tension method showed that the average static modulus vs. temperature was about 3 to 6 times higher for the cracked material than for the standard material, indicating a much higher stiffness for the cracked Hypalon. The TMA data also showed than an increased coating thickness for the cracked Hypalon was not a factor in the anomaly.

Wingard, Charles D.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Use of Several Thermal Analysis Techniques on a Hypalon Paint Coating for the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) of the Space Shuttle

White Hypalon paint is brush-applied as a moisture barrier coating over cork surfaces on each of the two Space Shuttle SRBs. Fine cracks have been observed in the Hypalon coating three times historically on laboratory witness panels, but never on flight hardware. Samples of the cracked and standard ("good") Hypalon were removed from witness panel cork surfaces, and were tested in 1998 by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), TMA and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermal analysis techniques. The TGA data showed that at 700C, where only paint pigment solids remain, the cracked material had about 9 weight percent more material remaining than the standard material, probably indicating incomplete mixing of the paint before it was brush-applied to produce the cracked material. Use of the TMA film/fiber technique showed that the average modulus (stiffness) vs. temperature was about 3 to 6 times higher for the cracked material than for the standard material. The TMA data also showed that an increase in coating thickness for the cracked Hypalon was not a factor in the anomaly.

Wingard, Charles D.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Reliable, Low-Cost, Low-Weight, Non-Hermetic Coating for MCM Applications

Through an Air Force Research Laboratory sponsored STM program, reliable, low-cost, low-weight, non-hermetic coatings for multi-chip-module(MCK applications were developed. Using the combination of Sandia Laboratory ATC-01 test chips, AvanTeco's moisture sensor chips(MSC's), and silicon slices, we have shown that organic and organic/inorganic overcoatings are reliable and practical non-hermetic moisture and oxidation barriers. The use of the MSC and unpassivated ATC-01 test chips provided rapid test results and comparison of moisture barrier quality of the overcoatings. The organic coatings studied were Parylene and Cyclotene. The inorganic coatings were Al2O3 and SiO2. The choice of coating(s) is dependent on the environment that the device(s) will be exposed to. We have defined four(4) classes of environments: Class I(moderate temperature/moderate humidity). Class H(high temperature/moderate humidity). Class III(moderate temperature/high humidity). Class IV(high temperature/high humidity). By subjecting the components to adhesion, FTIR, temperature-humidity(TH), pressure cooker(PCT), and electrical tests, we have determined that it is possible to reduce failures 50-70% for organic/inorganic coated components compared to organic coated components. All materials and equipment used are readily available commercially or are standard in most semiconductor fabrication lines. It is estimated that production cost for the developed technology would range from $1-10/module, compared to $20-200 for hermetically sealed packages.

Jones, Eric W.↗
NASA NTRS1966

Impact and puncture resistant material protects parts from damage

Uniform sized, laminated panels protect delicate parts and equipment from damage during storage and transportation. The panels consist of sheets of steel foil bonded between sheets of elastic foam. They are lightweight, impact and puncture-resistant, and, when formed into an enclosure, provide a barrier against moisture and thermal shock.

Sheriff, D. D.↗