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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 NTRS1984

Non-enzymatic template-directed synthesis on RNA random copolymers - Poly(C, U) templates

Random copolymer templates containing cytosine and uracil in ratios of 3:1 and 1:1 are used to explore the optimum conditions for efficient synthesis of guanine and adenine-containing oligonucleotides. The experimental procedure is described, including the preparation of mononucleoside 5'-phospho-2-methylimidazolides and random copolymers, the template-directed oligomerization, the removal and reintroduction of mononucleotides in interrupted reactions, the determination of oligomerization efficiency, the alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis of reaction products, and the column chromatography. Results are presented and discussed for the dependence of adenine incorporation on the formation of short oligo(G)s, optimization of incorporation efficiencies by adjusting monomer concentrations, the characterization of oligomeric product distribution, and the regiospecificity of adenine incorporation. The prebiotic significance of the results is assessed.

Joyce, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Structure-property relationships in block copolymers

Block copolymers are a class of relatively new materials which contain long sequences of two (or more) chemically different repeat units. Unlike random copolymers, each segment may retain some properties which are characteristic of its homopolymer. It is well known that most physical blends of two different homopolymers are incompatible on a macro-scale. By contrast most block copolymers display only a microphase (eg. 100-200 A domains) separation. Complete separation is restricted because of a loss in configurational entropy. The latter is due to presence of chemical bond(s) between the segments. Novel physical properties can be obtained because it is possible to prepare any desired combination of rubber-like, glassy, or crystalline blocks. The architecture and sequential arrangement of the segments can strongly influence mechanical behavior.

Mcgrath, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Development of a nanostructured DNA delivery scaffold via electrospinning of PLGA and PLA-PEG block copolymers

The present work utilizes electrospinning to fabricate synthetic polymer/DNA composite scaffolds for therapeutic application in gene delivery for tissue engineering. The scaffolds are non-woven, nano-fibered, membranous structures composed predominantly of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) random copolymer and a poly(D,L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) block copolymer. Release of plasmid DNA from the scaffolds was sustained over a 20-day study period, with maximum release occurring at approximately 2 h. Cumulative release profiles indicated amounts released were approximately 68-80% of the initially loaded DNA. Variations in the PLGA to PLA-PEG block copolymer ratio vastly affected the overall structural morphology, as well as both the rate and efficiency of DNA release. Results indicated that DNA released directly from these electrospun scaffolds was indeed intact, capable of cellular transfection, and successfully encoded the protein beta-galactosidase. When tested under tensile loads, the electrospun polymer/DNA composite scaffolds exhibited tensile moduli of approximately 35 MPa, with approximately 45% strain initially. These values approximate those of skin and cartilage. Taken together, this work represents the first successful demonstration of plasmid DNA incorporation into a polymer scaffold using electrospinning.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1983

Polyaryl ethers and related polysiloxane copolymer molecular coatings preparation and radiation degrdation

Poly(arylene ether sulfones) comprise a class of materials known as engineering thermoplastics which have a variety of important applications. These polymers are tough, rigid materials with good mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, and they are processed by conventional methods into products typically having excellent hydrolytic, thermal, oxidative and dimensional stability. Wholly aromatic random copolymers of hydroquinone and biphenol with 4.4 prime dichlorodiphenyl sulfone were synthesized via mechanical nucleophilic displacement. Their structures were characterized and mechanical behavior studied. These tough, ductile copolymers show excellent radiation resistance to electron beam treatment and retain much of the mechanical properties up to at least 700 Mrads under argon.

Mcgrath, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Clays as possible catalysts for peptide formation in the prebiotic era

From the point of view of prebiotic synthesis, clays might have performed functions of concentration, catalysis, and protection of molecules. The degrees of polymerization obtained, when amino acid adenylates are added to montmorillonite suspensions in water, are much higher than those obtained by polymerization in the absence of such a clay. In addition, they are of a discrete spectrum, usually multiples of 6 or 7, and reach values of up to 40 mers. In the absence of clay a continuous spectrum of degrees of polymerization is obtained, and usually up to 4-6 mers only. Copolymerization in the absence of clays yields mostly random copolymers, in their presence mostly block copolymers are obtained. Optical density measurements show that after adsorption has taken place on the clay, stacking of its layers occurs. Polymerization starts only after these stacked layers have been formed

Paecht-Horowitz, M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Structure/permeability relationships of silicon-containing polyimides

The permeability to H2, O2, N2, CO2 and CH4 of three silicone-polyimide random copolymers and two polyimides containing silicon atoms in their backbone chains, was determined at 35.0 C and at pressures up to about 120 psig (approximately 8.2 atm). The copolymers contained different amounts of BPADA-m-PDA and amine-terminated poly (dimethyl siloxane) and also had different numbers of siloxane linkages in their silicone component. The polyimides containing silicon atoms (silicon-modified polyimides) were SiDA-4,4'-ODA and SiDA-p-PDA. The gas permeability and selectivity of the copolymers are more similar to those of their silicone component than of the polyimide component. By contrast, the permeability and selectivity of the silicon-modified polyimides are more similar to those of their parent polyimides, PMDA-4,4'-ODA and SiDA-p-PDA. The substitution of SiDA for the PMDA moiety in a polyimide appears to result in a significant increase in gas permeability, without a correspondingly large decrease in selectivity. The potential usefulness of the above polymers and copolymers as gas separation membranes is discussed.

Stern, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Phenylquinoxaline copolymers

The preparation of a series of homopolymers and block and random type phenylquinoxaline copolymers is described together with their important characteristics and preliminary measurements of composite properties. Phenylquinoxaline homopolymers consisting of low, intermediate, and high molecular weight versions were prepared from the reaction of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) and 3,3',4,4'-tetraaminobenzophenone (TAB), each with p-bis(phenylglyoxalyl)benzene as solutions (18% solids content) in a 1:1 mixture of m-cresol and xylene. Three random and three block copolymers were prepared from the reaction of various amounts of DAB and TAB with p-bis(phenylglyoxalyl)benzene. The copolymers were prepared with DAB to TAB distribution ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3. The work was performed primarily to determine if phenylquinoxaline copolymers exhibit any advantage over the homopolymers for use as functional or structural resins, especially as a matrix material in combination with a high-modulus graphite fiber reinforcement.

Hergenrother, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Polyarylene Ethers with Improved Properties

This invention relates to novel polyarylene ethers which possess the combination of high strength, toughness, and high use temperature with ease of extrusion and formation into complex objects. These polyarylene ethers are suitable for use in adhesives, coatings, films, membranes, and composite matrices. The polyarylene ethers of this invention are the polycondensation products from the reaction of either 1,3-bis (4-chloro or fluorobenzoyl) benzene with any one of the following bisphenolic compounds: bis (3-hydroxyphenyl) methane; bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) methane; 1,1-dimethyl-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)methane, or 9,9-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene. Random and block copolymers are also comprehended.

Hergenrother, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Proposed uses of laser light scattering instruments for polymerization studies

Microgravity offers a unique environment for studying polymer diffusion and polymer polymerization reactions. The absence of convection currents, which are the major mode of mixing at the molecular level on Earth, are eliminated or reduced in the microgravity environment. More importantly, the prediction of unique copolymer composition development in microgravity allows controlled formation of new compositions of matter. The absence of mixing at the molecular level should produce unique short block copolymers available for the first time for comonomer compositions which normally lead to random or long block copolymer under good mixing. The investigation of fundamental polymer diffusion and polymer polymerization processes in microgravity is proposed. This effort will involve fundamental studies of monomer and polymer diffusion; their effects on initiation, propagation, and especially termination kinetics rate constant; and the accurate evaluation of copolymerization reactivity ratios in microgravity. The experimental design is presented for these studies along with an evaluation technique for in situ monitoring of polymer diffusion and polymerization kinetics.

Mathias, Lon J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Curable polyphosphazene copolymers and terpolymers

Copolymers and terpolymers comprising randomly repeating units represented by the general formulae ##EQU1## wherein the R' radicals contain OH functionality and R being at least one member of the group of monovalent radicals selected from alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl and arylalkyl, and R' is represented by ##EQU2## wherein Q represents either --(CH.sub.2).sub. n or --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 X(CH.sub.2).sub. m, the --X(CH.sub.2).sub. m group being either meta or para and n is an integer from 1 to 6, m is an integer from 1 to 3, X is O or CH.sub.2, and R is H or a lower alkyl radical with up to four carbon atoms (methyl, ethyl, etc.). The ratio of R to R' is between 99.5 to 0.5 and 65 to 35.

Reynard, Kennard A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Environmentally stable polymers and coatings for space application: CH-5, supplement 10

High molecular weight, randomly coupled poly(imide siloxane) soluble block copolymers were synthesized from bis(amino propyl) polydimethylsiloxane equilibrates of various molecular weights, aromatic metalinked diamines, and 3,3'-4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). Two synthetic procedures were successfully used to synthesize the poly(amic acid siloxane) intermediates. For both synthetic procedures, a cosolvent system was employed to achieve complete solvation of all components throughout the polymerization. Physical property characterization is continuing.

Sykes, G.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Synthesis, Characterization, Topographical Modification, and Surface Properties of Copoly(Imide Siloxane)s

Novel copoly(imide siloxane)s were synthesized from commercially available aminopropyl terminated siloxane oligomers, aromatic dianhydrides, and diamines. This synthetic approach produced copolymers with well-defined siloxane blocks linked with imide units in a random fashion. The copoly(amide acid)s were characterized by solution viscosity and subsequently used to cast thin films followed by thermal imidization in an inert atmosphere. Thin films were characterized using contact angle goniometry, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, confocal and optical microscopy, and tensile testing. Adhesion of micronsized particles was determined quantitatively using a sonication device. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) moieties lowered the copolymer surface energy due to migration of siloxane moieties to the film s surface, resulting in a notable reduction in particle adhesion. A further reduction in particle adhesion was achieved by introducing topographical features on a scale of several to tens of microns by a laser ablation technique.

Wohl, Christopher J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Dimensionally Stable Poyimide Copolymers for Microelectronics Applications

Polyimides are finding increased applications in microelectronics due to their high thermal stability, good chemical resistance, good adhesion, low moisture absorption, good mechanical properties, and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Four series of random copolyimides were synthesized and characterized for potential application as encapsulants, stress-relief layers, and interlevel dielectrics. Several candidates exhibited good combinations of physical and mechanical properties with inherent viscosities from 1.21 to 1.42 dL/g, T(sub g)'s ranging from 251 to 277 C, 10% weight loss temperatures between 503 and 527 C, and CTEs ranging from 33 to 39 ppm/deg C. Mechanical properties at room temperature for the best candidates included tensile strengths of 17.8-21.3 ksi, moduli between 388 and 506 ksi, and elongations of 11-43%. Moisture absorption for these copolyimides ranged between 0.85 and 1.38 wt %.

Fay, Catherine C.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Making Carbon-Nanotube Arrays Using Block Copolymers: Part 2

Some changes have been incorporated into a proposed method of manufacturing regular arrays of precisely sized, shaped, positioned, and oriented carbon nanotubes. Such arrays could be useful as mechanical resonators for signal filters and oscillators, and as electrophoretic filters for use in biochemical assays. A prior version of the method was described in Block Copolymers as Templates for Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes, (NPO-30240), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 27, No. 4 (April 2003), page 56. To recapitulate from that article: As in other previously reported methods, carbon nanotubes would be formed by decomposition of carbon-containing gases over nanometer-sized catalytic metal particles that had been deposited on suitable substrates. Unlike in other previously reported methods, the catalytic metal particles would not be so randomly and densely distributed as to give rise to thick, irregular mats of nanotubes with a variety of lengths, diameters, and orientations. Instead, in order to obtain regular arrays of spaced-apart carbon nanotubes as nearly identical as possible, the catalytic metal particles would be formed in predetermined regular patterns with precise spacings. The regularity of the arrays would be ensured by the use of nanostructured templates made of block copolymers.

Bronikowski, Michael↗
NASA NTRS2010

Multiscale Modeling of Thermal Conductivity of Polymer/Carbon Nanocomposites

Molecular dynamics simulation was used to estimate the interfacial thermal (Kapitza) resistance between nanoparticles and amorphous and crystalline polymer matrices. Bulk thermal conductivities of the nanocomposites were then estimated using an established effective medium approach. To study functionalization, oligomeric ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers were chemically bonded to a single wall carbon nanotube. The results, in a poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) matrix, are similar to those obtained previously for grafted linear hydrocarbon chains. To study the effect of noncovalent functionalization, two types of polyethylene matrices. -- aligned (extended-chain crystalline) vs. amorphous (random coils) were modeled. Both matrices produced the same interfacial thermal resistance values. Finally, functionalization of edges and faces of plate-like graphite nanoparticles was found to be only modestly effective in reducing the interfacial thermal resistance and improving the composite thermal conductivity

Clancy, Thomas C.↗
NASA NTRS2004

NASA Tech Briefs, January 2004

Topics covered include: Multisensor Instrument for Real-Time Biological Monitoring; Sensor for Monitoring Nanodevice-Fabrication Plasmas; Backed Bending Actuator; Compact Optoelectronic Compass; Micro Sun Sensor for Spacecraft; Passive IFF: Autonomous Nonintrusive Rapid Identification of Friendly Assets; Finned-Ladder Slow-Wave Circuit for a TWT; Directional Radio-Frequency Identification Tag Reader; Integrated Solar-Energy-Harvesting and -Storage Device; Event-Driven Random-Access-Windowing CCD Imaging System; Stroboscope Controller for Imaging Helicopter Rotors; Software for Checking State-charts; Program Predicts Broadband Noise from a Turbofan Engine; Protocol for a Delay-Tolerant Data-Communication Network; Software Implements a Space-Mission File-Transfer Protocol; Making Carbon-Nanotube Arrays Using Block Copolymers: Part 2; Modular Rake of Pitot Probes; Preloading To Accelerate Slow-Crack-Growth Testing; Miniature Blimps for Surveillance and Collection of Samples; Hybrid Automotive Engine Using Ethanol-Burning Miller Cycle; Fabricating Blazed Diffraction Gratings by X-Ray Lithography; Freeze-Tolerant Condensers; The StarLight Space Interferometer; Champagne Heat Pump; Controllable Sonar Lenses and Prisms Based on ERFs; Measuring Gravitation Using Polarization Spectroscopy; Serial-Turbo-Trellis-Coded Modulation with Rate-1 Inner Code; Enhanced Software for Scheduling Space-Shuttle Processing; Bayesian-Augmented Identification of Stars in a Narrow View; Spacecraft Orbits for Earth/Mars-Lander Radio Relay; and Self-Inflatable/Self-Rigidizable Reflectarray Antenna.

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