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Results for “polyester polyurethane”

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 NTRS1984

Friction and morphology of magnetic tapes in sliding contact with nickel-zinc ferrite

Friction and morphological studies were conducted with magnetic tapes containing a Ni-Zn ferrite hemispherical pin in laboratory air at a relative humidity of 40 percent and at 23 C. The results indicate that the binder plays a significant role in the friction properties, morphology, and microstructure of the tape. Comparisons were made with four binders: nitrocellulose; poly (vinyledene) chloride; cellulose acetate; and hydroxyl-terminated, low molecular weight polyester added to the base polymer, polyester-polyurethane. The coefficient of friction was lowest for the tape with the nitrocellulose binder and increased in the order hydroxylterminated, low molecular weight polyester resin; poly (vinyledene) chloride; and cellulose acetate. The degree of enclosure of the oxide particles by the binder was highest for hydroxyl-terminated, low molecular weight polyester and decreased in the order cellulose acetate, poly (vinyledene) chloride, and nitrocellulose. The nature of deformation of the tape was a factor in controlling friction. The coefficient of friction under elastic contact conditions was considerably lower than under conditions that produced plastic contacts.

Miyoshi, K.↗
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)↗
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

Engineering the green algae Chlamydomonas incerta for recombinant protein production

Chlamydomonas incerta , a genetically close relative of the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , shows significant potential as a host for recombinant protein expression. Because of the close genetic relationship between C. incerta and C. reinhardtii , this species offers an additional reference point for advancing our understanding of photosynthetic organisms, and also provides a potential new candidate for biotechnological applications. This study investigates C. incerta ’s capacity to express three recombinant proteins: the fluorescent protein mCherry, the hemicellulose-degrading enzyme xylanase, and the plastic-degrading enzyme PHL7. We have also examined the capacity to target protein expression to various cellular compartments in this alga, including the cytosol, secretory pathway, cytoplasmic membrane, and cell wall. When compared directly with C. reinhardtii , C. incerta exhibited a distinct but notable capacity for recombinant protein production. Cellular transformation with a vector encoding mCherry revealed that C. incerta produced approximately 3.5 times higher fluorescence levels and a 3.7-fold increase in immunoblot intensity compared to C. reinhardtii . For xylanase expression and secretion, both C. incerta and C. reinhardtii showed similar secretion capacities and enzymatic activities, with comparable xylan degradation rates, highlighting the industrial applicability of xylanase expression in microalgae. Finally, C. incerta showed comparable PHL7 activity levels to C. reinhardtii , as demonstrated by the in vitro degradation of a polyester polyurethane suspension, Impranil® DLN. Finally, we also explored the potential of cellular fusion for the generation of genetic hybrids between C. incerta and C. reinhardtii as a means to enhance phenotypic diversity and augment genetic variation. We were able to generate genetic fusion that could exchange both the recombinant protein genes, as well as associated selectable marker genes into recombinant offspring. These findings emphasize C. incerta ’s potential as a robust platform for recombinant protein production, and as a powerful tool for gaining a better understanding of microalgal biology.

cell membranes↗
NASA NTRS1977

Real time outdoor exposure testing of solar cell modules and component materials

Plastic samples, solar cell modules, and sub-modules were exposed at test sites in Florida, Arizona, Puerto Rico, and Cleveland, Ohio, in order to determine materials suitable for use in solar cell modules with a proposed 20-year lifetime. Various environments were encountered including subtropical, subtropical with a sea air atmosphere, desert, rain forest, normal urban, and urban-polluted. The samples were exposed for periods up to six months. Materials found not suitable were polyurethane, polyester, Kapton, Mylar, and UV-stabilized Lexan. Suitable materials were acrylic, FEP-A, and glass. The results of exposure of polyvinylidene fluoride were dependent on the specific formulation, but several types appear suitable. RTV silicone rubber (clear) appears to pick up and hold dirt both as a free film and as a potting medium for modules. The results indicate that dirt accumulation and cleanability are important factors in the selection of solar cell module covers and encapsulants.

Anagnostou, E.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural Acetone over a Cu Catalyst: Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study

The selective hydrogenation of biomass-derived hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF)-acetone-HMF (HAH) presents an alternative route to producing highly functionalized polyesters and polyurethanes. While HAH undergoes furan ring hydrogenation over Pd, Ru, and Ni catalysts, furan ring hydrogenation is not observed over Cu. Herein, we combine reaction kinetics experiments and density functional theory calculations to elucidate the selective hydrogenation behavior of HAH over Cu catalysts. We identified furfural acetone (FAc) as a suitable surrogate for modeling HAH hydrogenation over Cu surfaces and performed reaction kinetics experiments between temperatures of 313–393 K and a H 2 partial pressure of 55 bar. Similar to the behavior of HAH, hydrogenation of FAc follows a consecutive two-step hydrogenation pathway over Cu and does not undergo furan ring hydrogenation. The apparent activation energy barriers for hydrogenation of the aliphatic double bond (0.58 eV) and carbonyl (0.43 eV) of FAc measured in a continuous flow reactor setup are consistent with those reported in prior studies for batch HAH hydrogenation. Reaction orders with respect to each reactant, including H 2 and FAc, were determined to be nearly one. Density functional theory (DFT; GGA-PBE-D3) calculations on Cu(111) showed that the hydrogenation of the aliphatic double bond of FAc is more facile than the hydrogenation of the furan ring, which displays weak interactions with the Cu surface. We determined an apparent activation energy barrier for FAc hydrogenation (0.58 eV) that agreed with our DFT predictions (highest barrier for FAc hydrogenation of 0.57 eV). Finally, our DFT calculations further show that weak interactions between the furan ring and Cu surface are responsible for the selective hydrogenation behavior.

Biomass↗
NASA NTRS1977

Development of a special purpose spacecraft interior coating. Phase 2

Numerous acrylic and epoxy modifiers for the fluorocarbon latex resin base were investigated. Optimum coatings were developed by modifying the fluorocarbon latex with an epoxy acrylic resin system. In addition, a number of other formulations, containing hard acrylics as modifiers, displayed attractive properties and potential for further improvements. The preferred formulations dried to touch in about one hour and were fully dried in about twenty four hours under normal room temperature and humidity conditions. In addition to physical and mechanical properties either comparable or superior to those of commercial solvent base polyurethane or polyester coatings, the preferred compositions meet the flammability and offgassing requirements specified by NASA.

Bartoszek, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Studies of Carbon Nanotubes

The fellowship experience for this summer for 2004 pertains to carbon nanotube coatings for various space-related applications. They involve the following projects: (a) EMI protection films from HiPco-polymers, and (b) Thermal protection nanosilica materials. EMI protection films are targeted to be eventually applied onto casings of laptop computers. These coatings are composites of electrically-conductive SWNTs and compatible polymers. The substrate polymer will be polycarbonate, since computer housings are typically made of carbon composites of this type of polymer. A new experimental copolymer was used last year to generate electrically-conductive and thermal films with HiPco at 50/50 wt/wt composition. This will be one of the possible formulations. Reference films will be base polycarbonate and neat HiPco onto polycarbonate films. Other coating materials that will be tried will be based on HiPco composites with commercial enamels (polyurethane, acrylic, polyester), which could be compatible with the polycarbonate substrate. Nanosilica fibers are planned for possible use as thermal protection tiles on the shuttle orbiter. Right now, microscale silica is used. Going to the nanoscale will increase the surface-volume-per-unit-area of radiative heat dissipation. Nanoscale carbon fibers/nanotubes can be used as templates for the generation of nanosilica. A sol-gel operation is employed for this purpose.

Caneba, Gerard T.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Electrostatic Spraying With Conductive Liquids

Thin, uniform polymer coatings applied in water base normally impossible to charge. Electrostatic sprayer modified so applies coatings suspended or dissolved in electrically conductive liquids. Nozzle and gun constructed of nonconductive molded plastic. Liquid passageway made long enough electrical leakage through it low. Coaxial hose for liquid built of polytetrafluoroethylene tube, insulating sleeve, and polyurethane jacket. Sprayer provided with insulated seal at gun-to-hose connection, nonconductive airhose, pressure tank electrically isolated from ground, and special nozzle electrode. Supply of atomizing air reduced so particle momentum controlled by electrostatic field more effectively. Developed to apply water-base polyurethane coating to woven, shaped polyester fabric. Coating provides pressure seal for fabric, which is part of spacesuit. Also useful for applying waterproof, decorative, or protective coatings to fabrics for use on Earth.

Kosmo, Joseph J.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Development of a flameproof elastic elastomeric fiber

Various flexible polyurethane structures containing halogen were synthesized from polyesters derived from aliphatic or aromatic polyols and dibasic acids. Aliphatic halide structures could not be used because they are unstable at the required reaction temperatures, giving of hydrogen halide which hydrolyzes the ester linkages. In contract, halogen-containing aromatic polyols were stable and satisfactory products were made. The most promising composition, a brominated neopentyl glycol capped with toluene disocyanate, was used as a conventional diisocyanate, in conjunction with hydroxy-terminated polyethers or polyesters to form elastomeric urethanes containing about 10% bromine with weight. Products made in this manner will not burn in air, have an oxygen index value of about 25, and have tensile strength values of about 5,000 psi at 450% elongation. The most efficient additives for imparting flame retardancy to Spandex urethanes are aromatic halides and the most effective of these are the bromide compounds. Various levels of flame retardancy have been achieved depending on the levels of additives used.

Howarth, J. T.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tailoring High Hardness and Rigidity in Biodegradable Thermoplastic Polyurethanes

In response to escalating environmental concerns, there is a pressing demand for materials capable of delivering both sustainability and robust mechanical properties, thereby substituting nonrenewable counterparts in various applications. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis and characterization of biobased aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) that exhibit impressive mechanical properties, including tensile strength in the range of 48–41 MPa and flexural modulus up to 2.2 GPa. These biodegradable TPUs displayed high shore A and D hardness between 95 and 98 and 51–42, respectively, and thus can be categorized as “extra hard” plastics according to the durometer scale for PUs. Herein, we have prepared a series of four 100% biobased polyester polyols from biobased diacid and chain-extender as precursors with molecular weights varying from 500 to 1400 g/mol. The corresponding TPUs that were prepared by using an aliphatic diisocyanate were evaluated for their thermal stability, microphase separation, mechanical properties, and biodegradation. By leveraging renewable feedstocks, these TPUs offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived materials, with their mechanical performance meeting conventional benchmarks. Furthermore, postcomposting analysis revealed significant surface degradation, affirming their biodegradability and environmental compatibility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2007

Balloon for Long-Duration, High-Altitude Flight at Venus

A document describes a 5.5-m-diameter, helium-filled balloon designed for carrying a scientific payload having a mass of 44 kg for at least six days at an altitude of about 55 km in the atmosphere of Venus. The requirement for floating at nearly constant altitude dictates the choice of a mass-efficient spherical super-pressure balloon that tracks a constant atmospheric density. Therefore, the balloon is of a conventional spherical super-pressure type, except that it is made of materials chosen to minimize solar radiant heating and withstand the corrosive sulfuric acid aerosol of the Venusian atmosphere. The shell consists of 16 gores of a multilayer composite material. The outer layer, made of polytetrafluoroethylene, protects against sulfuric acid aerosol. Next is an aluminum layer that reflects sunlight to minimize heating, followed by an aluminized polyethylene terephthalate layer that resists permeation by helium, followed by an aromatic polyester fabric that imparts strength to withstand deployment forces and steady super-pressure. A polyurethane coat on the inner surface of the fabric facilitates sealing at gore-to-gore seams. End fittings and seals, and a tether connecting the end fittings to a gondola, are all made of sulfuric-acid-resistant materials.

Hall, Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS1994

Antenna sunshield membrane

An RF-transparent sunshield membrane covers an antenna reflector such as a parabolic dish. The blanket includes a single dielectric sheet of polyimide film 1/2-mil thick. The surface of the film facing away from the reflector is coated with a transparent electrically conductive coating such as vapor-deposited indium-tin oxide. The surface of the film facing the reflector is reinforced by an adhesively attached polyester or glass mesh, which in turn is coated with a white paint. In a particular embodiment of the invention, polyurethane paint is used. In another embodiment of the invention, a layer of paint primer is applied to the mesh under a silicone paint, and the silicone paint is cured after application for several days at room temperature to enhance adhesion to the primer.

Bogorad, Alexander↗
NASA NTRS1978

Relative toxicity of materials in fire situations

The results of toxicity testing of additional materials is presented. Relative toxicity data on polymers by generic type are presented and include wood, polyurethane flexible foam, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS), and polyisoprene (natural rubber). A second table gives relative toxicity data on fibers and fabrics including wool, nylon, rayon, polyester, and aromatic polyamide. Sulfur-containing materials seemed to exhibit the shortest times to death of laboratory animals. Some chlorine-containing polymers tended to exhibit shortest time to death also while some halogen-containing polymers gave the shortest time to incapacitation. Among fibers and fabrics, wool, silk, and polyester exhibited the shortest times to incapacitation and times to death. Difficulty in restricting generally accepted materials is discussed and attention is given to other factors important in comparing materials, such as backcoatings and relative weights.

Hilado, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Toxicity of pyrolysis gases from some cellular polymers

Various samples of cellular polymers were evaluated for toxicity of pyrolysis gases, using the screening test method developed at the University of San Francisco. The cellular polymer samples included polyimide, polymethacrylimide, polybismaleimide, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, polyethylene, polychloroprene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polysiloxane, and polyphosphazene. The cellular polymers exhibited varying levels of toxicity under these test conditions. Among the rigid cellular polymers, times to death were shortest with the imide type foams and longest with polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene. Among the flexible cellular polymers, times to death were shortest with polyimide and polyester, and longest with polychloroprene and polysiloxane. Increased char yield was not necessarily associated with reduced toxicity.

Hilado, C. J.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Renewable and Biodegradable Polyurethane Foams with Aliphatic Diisocyanates

The transition to renewable plastics will require the development of substitutes with existing industrial standards and manufacturing processes. Polyurethanes (PU), versatile plastics, are traditionally dominated by aromatic diisocyanates, which are challenging to derive from renewable sources. However, for higher biocontent, it is crucial to utilize aliphatic diisocyanates, which can be sourced from renewable plant or algae waste streams. Historically, PU foams relied on aromatic diisocyanates for essential hard segments, resulting in desired physical properties. Here, we report the generation of high-performance renewable and biodegradable PU foams utilizing aliphatic diisocyanates and aromatic polyols, translating hard segments into the polyester polyol component using biosourced furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) monomers. We demonstrate that an FDCA-based PU is suitable for foams with performance characteristics that meet commercial tolerances and can biodegrade under backyard compost conditions. Here, this demonstrates steps toward redesigning traditional petrochemical-based polymers to accommodate new biological monomers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗