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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

TEM and SEM (EBIC) investigations of silicon bicrystals

The electrical and structural properties of low and medium angle tilt grain boundaries in silicon bicrystals were studied in order to obtain insight into the mechanisms determining the recombination activity. The electrical behavior of these grain boundaries was studied with the EBIC technique. Schottky barriers rather than p-n junctions were used to avoid annealing induced changes of the structure and impurity content of the as-grown crystals. Transmission electron spectroscopy reveals that the 20 deg boundary is straight, homogeneous, and free of extrinsic dislocations. It is concluded that, in the samples studied, the electrical effect of grain boundaries appears to be independent of the boundary misorientation. The dominant influence appears to be impurity segregation effects to the boundary. Cleaner bicrystals are required to study intrinsic differences in the electrical activity of the two boundaries.

Gleichmann, R.↗
NASA NTRS2011

SEM and TEM Observation of the Surfaces of the Fine-Grained Particles Retrieved from the Muses-C Regio on the Asteroid 25413 Itokawa

Surface materials on airless solar system bodies exposed to interplanetary space are gradually changed their visible to near-infrared reflectance spectra by the process called "space weathering", which makes the spectra darker and redder. Hapke et al. proposed a model of space weathering: vapor deposition of nanophase reduced iron (npFe(sup 0)) on the surfaces of the grains within the very surface of lunar regolith. This model has been proved by detailed observation of the surfaces of the lunar soil grains by transmission electron microscope (TEM). They demonstrated that npFe(sup 0) was formed by a combination of vapor deposition and irradiation effects. In other words, both micrometeorite impacts and irradiation by solar wind and galactic cosmic ray play roles on the space weathering on the Moon. Because there is a continuum of reflectance spectra from those of Q-type asteroids (almost the same as those of ordinary chondrites) to those of S-type asteroids, it is strongly suggested that reflectance spectra of asteroids composed of ordinary chondrite-like materials were modified over time to those of S-type asteroids due to space weathering. It is predicted that a small amount of npFe(sup 0) on the surface of grains in the asteroidal regolith composed of ordinary chondrite-like materials is the main agent of asteroidal space weathering.

Noguchi, T.↗
NASA NTRS1993

First oxygen from lunar basalt

The Carbotek/Shimizu process to produce oxygen from lunar soils has been successfully demonstrated on actual lunar samples in laboratory facilities at Carbotek with Shimizu funding and support. Apollo sample 70035 containing approximately 25 percent ilmenite (FeTiO3) was used in seven separate reactions with hydrogen varying temperature and pressure: FeTiO3 + H2 yields Fe + TiO2 + H2O. The experiments gave extremely encouraging results as all ilmenite was reduced in every experiment. The lunar ilmenite was found to be about twice as reactive as terrestrial ilmenite samples. Analytical techniques of the lunar and terrestrial ilmenite experiments performed by NASA Johnson Space Center include iron Mossbauer spectroscopy (FeMS), optical microscopy, SEM, TEM, and XRD. The Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota performed three SEM techniques (point count method, morphology determination, elemental mapping), XRD, and optical microscopy.

Gibson, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Pulsed-electron-beam annealing of ion-implantation damage

Short-duration high-intensity pulsed electron beams have been used to anneal ion-implantation damage in silicon and to electrically activate the dopant species. Lattice regrowth and dopant activation were determined using He(+)-4 backscattering, SEM, TEM, and device performance characteristics as diagnostic techniques. The annealing mechanism is believed to be liquid-phase epitaxial regrowth initiating from the substrate. The high-temperature transient pulse produced by the electron beam causes the dopant to diffuse rapidly in the region where the liquid state is achieved.

Greenwald, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Toughening mechanism in elastometer-modified epoxy resins: Part 1

Several plaques of Epon 828, cured with piperidine, modified with hycar(r) CTBN 1300X8, Hycar(R) CTBN 1300X13, and Hycar(R) CTBN 1300x15, and in some cases modified with biphenol A (BPA), yielded properly toughened epoxies with rubber particle diameters ranging from 0.1 to 10 microns. Fracture toughness experiments indicate that toughness was more a function of rubber content than the rubber particle size. Tensile volumetric behavior of the near resin exhibits two regions: an initial region where the increase in volume strain was due to the Poisson's effect, and a second region where a slower rate of increase in volume strain was due to shear deformation. Tensile volumetric deformation of an elastomer-modified epoxy exhibits the same type of behavior to that of the neat resin at low rates ( 3.2x0.01 sec(-1)). But at very high strain rates, which correspond more closely to the strain rates at the crack tip, there exists an increase in volume strain beyond the Poisson's effect. TEM, SEM and OM studies indicate that the rubber particles had voided. When a thin section from the deformed region is viewed under crossed-polarized light, shear bands are seen connecting voided rubber particles. From this information cavitation and enhanced shear band formation is proposed as the toughening mechanism.

Yee, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Analytical electron microscope study of eight ataxites

Optical and electron optical (SEM, TEM, AEM) techniques were employed to investigate the fine structure of eight ataxite-iron meteorites. Structural studies indicated that the ataxites can be divided into two groups: a Widmanstaetten decomposition group and a martensite decomposition group. The Widmanstaetten decomposition group has a Type I plessite microstructure and the central taenite regions contain highly dislocated lath martensite. The steep M shaped Ni gradients in the taenite are consistent with the fast cooling rates, of not less than 500 C/my, observed for this group. The martensite decomposition group has a Type III plessite microstructure and contains all the chemical group IVB ataxites. The maximum taenite Ni contents vary from 47.5 to 52.7 wt % and are consistent with slow cooling to low temperatures of not greater than 350 C at cooling rates of not greater than 25 C/my.

Novotny, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Investigation of superlattice device structures

This report describes the investigation of growth properties, and the structure of epitaxial multilayer Si(Si(1x)Ge(x)) films grown on bulk Silicon Substrates. It also describes the fabrication and characterization of MOSFET and MESFET devices made on these epitaxial films. Films were grown in a CVD reactor using hydrides of Si and Ge with H2 and He as carrier gases. Growth temperatures were between 900 C and 1050 C with most films grown at 1000 C. Layer thickness was between 300A and 2000A and total film thickness was between 0.25 micro m and 7 micro m. The Ge content (X) in the alloy layers was between .05 and 0.2. N-type multilayer films grown on (100) p-type Si showed Hall mobility in the range 1000 to 1500 sq cm/v for an average carrier concentration of approx. 10 to the 16th power/cu cm. This is up to 50% higher than the Hall mobility observed in epitaxial Si films grown under the same conditions and with the same average carrier concentration. The mobility enhancement occurred in films with average carrier concentration (n) from 0.7 x 10 to the 16th power to 2 x 10 to the 17th power/cu cm, and total film thickness greater than 1.0 micro m. No mobility enhancement was seen in n-type multilayer films grown on (111) Si or in p-type multilayer films. The structure of the films was investigated was using SEM, TEM, AES, SIMS, and X-ray double crystal diffraction techniques. The film composition profile (AES, SIMS) showed that the transition region between layers is of the order of about 100A. The TEM examination revealed a well defined layered structure with fairly sharp interfaces and good crystalline quality. It also showed that the first few layers of the film (closest to the substrate) are uneven, most probably due to the initial growth pattern of the epitaxial film where growth occurs first in isolated islands that eventually growth and coalesce. The X-ray diffraction measurement determined the elastic strain and strain relief in the alloy layers of the film and the elastic strain in the intervening Si layers.

Gergis, I. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Toughening mechanisms in elastomer-modified epoxies. I - Mechanical studies. II - Microscopy studies

Tensile dilatometry at constant displacement rates is presently used to ascertain whether voiding, crazing or shear banding are the deformation mechanisms at work in the toughening of brittle epoxies through the addition of an elastomeric phase. The results obtained for epoxies toughened by various levels of several types of carbonyl-terminated butadiene nitrile liquid rubber indicate that, at low strain rates, the rubber particles simply enhance shear deformation; at sufficiently high strain rates, the particles cavitate and promote further shear deformation. Examinations of these materials are conducted by means of SEM, TEM, and optical microscopy in the second part of this study. Toughening is hypothesized to involve cavitation's relieving of triaxial tension at the crack tip, as well as shear band formation, which creates a plastic zone.

Yee, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Growth and characterization of cubic SiC single-crystal films on Si

Morphological and electrical characterization results are presented for cubic SiC films grown by chemical vapor deposition on single-crystal Si substrates. The films, up to 40 microns thick, were characterized by optical microscopy, (SEM), (TEM), electron channeling, surface profilometry, and Hall measurements. A variety of morphological features observed on the SiC films are described. Electrical measurements showed a decrease in the electron mobility with increasing electron carrier concentration, similar to that observed in Si. Room-temperature electron mobilities up to 520 sq cm/V-s (at an electron carrier concentration of 5 x 10 to the 16th/cu cm) were measured. Finally, a number of parameters believed to be important in the growth process were investigated, and some discussion is given of their possible effects on the film characteristics.

Powell, J. Anthony↗
NASA NTRS1987

Precipitation in a rapidly solidified and aged Ni-Al-Mo alloy

The early stages of decomposition of a highly supersaturated nickel-base alloy have been studied using TEM, SEM, and X-ray diffraction. The material was produced as a metastable solid solution by chill-block melt-spinning. On aging, the material exhibited a number of decomposition products appearing in series or concomitantly. Some of the decomposition products of this alloy, Ni4Mo, Ni3Mo, and Ni2Mo, are related to those found in Ni-Mo binary alloys. Alpha-Mo formed during solidification was distinguished from that formed by precipitation in the solid state by orientation relationships.

Nash, P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The microstructure and tensile properties of extruded melt-spun ribbons of iron-rich B2 FeAl

The microstructure of extruded rods of iron-rich FeAl(B2-structure), as characterized by TEM, SEM, optical microscopy and x-ray diffractometry, consisted of elongated grains with a 111-line fibre texture containing a high dislocation density. Numerous oxide particles were found, mostly in lines which reflected the matrix flow during extrusion. In addition, some large inclusions were present. Tensile testing of annealed, relatively dislocation-free specimens as a function of increasing temperature found increasing ductility up to 900K, above which a ductility drop occurred accompanied by a change in fracture mode, from transgranular cleavage to intergranular fracture. The yield strength, which was independent of temperature up to 800K (at about 500MPa), also decreased rapidly as diffusion became more important. The predominant slip vector changed from 111-line to 100-line around 700K.

Baker, I.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Elevated temperature slow plastic deformation of NiAl/TiB2 particulate composites

The 'XD' process for production of discontinuously-reinforced metal-matrix composites has been used to enhance the high-temperature strength of NiAl-TiB2 composites with particulate densities of up to 30 vol pct. SEM, TEM, and optical characterizations of the resulting microstructures showed the average TiB2 particle size to be about 1 micron, while the average grain of the NiAl matrix was of the order of 10 microns. Elevated temperature compression tests conducted at 1200 and 1300 K indicated flow strengths to increase with TiB2 content, so that the 20 vol pct TiB2-reinforced composite was three times stronger than the unreinforced NiAl; this is ascribed to the very high density of microstructural tangled dislocations, loops, and subgrain boundaries connecting the particles.

Whittenberger, J. Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1991

The microstructure of SCS-6 SiC fiber

A thorough investigation of the microstructure of single SCS-6 SiC fibers widely used as reinforcements in metal-matrix and ceramic-matrix composites has been made. Various techniques of EM including SEM, TEM, HREM parallel electron energy loss spectroscopy (PEELS), and SAM have been used to analyze and characterize the microstructure. The fiber is a complicated composite consisting of many different layers of SiC deposited on a carbon core and different carbonaceous coatings covering the SiC layers. The structural and chemical aspects of each layer are characterized and discussed.

Ning, X. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Matrix and fine-grained rims in the unequilibrated CO3 chondrite, ALHA77307 - Origins and evidence for diverse, primitive nebular dust components

SEM, TEM, and electron microprobe analysis were used to investigate in detail the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of dark matrix and fine-grained rims in the unequilibrated CO3 chondrite ALHA77307. Data obtained revealed that there was a remarkable diversity of distinct mineralogical components, which can be identified using their chemical and textural characteristics. The matrix and rim components in ALHA77307 formed by disequilibrium condensation process as fine-grained amorphous dust that is represented by the abundant amorphous component in the matrix. Subsequent thermal processing of this condensate material, in a variety of environments in the nebula, caused partial or complete recrystallization of the fine-grained dust.

Brearley, Adrian J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Microchemical analysis of the SCS-6 silicon carbide fiber

A detailed quantitative study of the microstructural variation of chemical composition of chemically vapor-deposited commercial SiC SCS-6 fiber is presented. Chemical etching and various electron-optical techniques including SEM, TEM, scanning Auger microscopy, AES, and parallel electron energy loss spectroscopy are used to analyze the chemical composition of the as-received fiber. In addition, some results on stereology of the high-temperature annealed fiber are presented. The results show that the carbon-to-silicon atom ratio in the SiC layers decreases in a stepwise fashion from about 3:2 to about 1:1 in going from the innermost layer to the outermost layer.

Ning, Xian-Jie↗
NASA NTRS1994

The anatomy of a cluster IDP. Part 1: Carbon abundance, bulk chemistry, and mineralogy of fragments from L2008#5

The objective of this study was to determine whether or not cluster particles are sufficiently homogeneous to enable observations from one fragment of the cluster to be extrapolated to the entire cluster. We report on the results of a consortium study of the fragments of a large cluster particle. Multiple fragments from one large cluster were distributed to several research groups and were subjected to a variety of mineralogical and chemical analyses including: SEM, TEM, ion probe, SXRF, noble gas measurements, and microprobe laser mass spectrometry of individual fragments.

Thomas, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Quantum Dot Solar Cells

We have been investigating the synthesis of quantum dots of CdSe, CuInS2, and CuInSe2 for use in an intermediate bandgap solar cell. We have prepared a variety of quantum dots using the typical organometallic synthesis routes pioneered by Bawendi, et. al., in the early 1990's. However, unlike previous work in this area we have also utilized single-source precursor molecules in the synthesis process. We will present XRD, TEM, SEM and EDS characterization of our initial attempts at fabricating these quantum dots. Investigation of the size distributions of these nanoparticles via laser light scattering and scanning electron microscopy will be presented. Theoretical estimates on appropriate quantum dot composition, size, and inter-dot spacing along with potential scenarios for solar cell fabrication will be discussed.

Raffaelle, Ryne P.↗
NASA NTRS2005

A potential cause for kidney stone formation during space flights: enhanced growth of nanobacteria in microgravity

BACKGROUND: Although some information is available regarding the cellular/molecular changes in immune system exposed to microgravity, little is known about the reasons of the increase in the kidney stone formation in astronauts during and/or after long duration missions at zero gravity (0 g). In our earlier studies, we have assessed a unique agent, nanobacteria (NB), in kidney stones and hypothesized that NB have an active role in calcium phosphate-carbonate deposition in kidney. In this research we studied effect of microgravity on multiplication and calcification of NB in vitro. METHODS: We examined NB cultures in High Aspect Rotating Vessels (HARVs) designed at the NASA's Johnson Space Center, which are designed to stimulate some aspects of microgravity. Multiplication rate and calcium phosphate composition of those NB were compared with NB cultured on stationary and shaker flasks. Collected aliquots of the cultures from different incubation periods were analyzed using spectrophotometer, SEM, TEM, EDX, and x-ray diffraction techniques. RESULTS: The results showed that NB multiplied 4.6x faster in HARVs compared to stationary cultures, and 3.2x faster than shaker flask conditions. X-ray diffraction and EDX analysis showed that the degree of apatite crystal formation and the properties of the apatite depend on the specific culture conditions used. CONCLUSION: We now report an increased multiplication rate of NB in microgravity-simulated conditions. Thus, NB infection may have a potential role in kidney stone formation in crew members during space flights. For further proof to this hypothesis, screening of the NB antigen and antibody level in flight crew before and after flight would be necessary.

Weightlessness↗