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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Making an s1G Self-Preserving Environmental DNA (eDNA) Filter from Sustainable Materials

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling of aquatic environments is a powerful new tool for resource managers to use in detecting the presence of rare and endangered species. The use of eDNA for species detection is quickly becoming an industry-standard methodology in environmental science, and the technology sector is moving quickly to create purpose-built tools for eDNA sampling. Smith-Root, Inc. pioneered the new technology of self-preserving eDNA filters that automatically preserve the DNA captured on filters by desiccating the internal filter membrane. This capability saves the sampling technician significant time in the field and drastically reduces the potential for sample contamination. One main constraint of this new technology, however, is the necessity of single-use plastics for eDNA sampling. Single-use designs are employed because sampling equipment must be devoid of potential contaminating DNA, and the time required to sterilize equipment is often not cost-effective for practitioners. Thus, this technology is creating a significant new source of plastic waste—something that eDNA practitioners, and society, would like to avoid. This project explores the use of alternative bio based polymers and composites as replacements for incumbent industrial standards for eDNA filtration systems, with an emphasis on ease of processing and biodegradable options. 8 candidate materials, 3 for the top filter housing and 5 for the bottom filter housing, were investigated to replace incumbent housing materials. Of the 8 candidates, 2 materials were identified for future investigation which met performance requirements, were bio-based and could potentially offer better disposal options like soil degradation or composting, features sought by the customers of these products. The top housing candidate, material 1, has comparable performance to the incumbent material and equally manufacturable. The bottom housing candidate, material 6, improved desiccation performance by 81% after 1 hour in comparison to the incumbent material, is 100% bio-based, compostable and can be sourced domestically throughout the U.S.A.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2017

Water Vapor Corrosion in EBC Constituent Materials

Environmental Barrier Coating (EBC) materials are sought after to protect ceramic matrix composites (CMC) in high temperature turbine engines. CMCs are particularly susceptible to degradation from oxidation, Ca-Al-Mg-Silicate (CMAS), and water vapor during high temperature operation which necessitates the use of EBCs. However, the work presented here focuses on water vapor induced recession in EBC constituent materials. For example, in the presence of water vapor, silica will react to form Si(OH)4 (g) which will eventually corrode the material away. To investigate the recession rate in EBC constituent materials under high temperature water vapor conditions, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) is employed. The degradation process can then be modeled through a simple boundary layer expression. Ultimately, comparisons are made between various single- and poly-crystalline materials (e.g. TiO2, SiO2) against those found in literature.

coating↗
NASA NTRS1991

Space environmental effects, materials, and NDE/NDI presentation to SSTAC/ARTS Review Committee

Viewgraphs are presented on space environmental effects, materials, and NDE/NDI for the integrated technology plan for the civil space program. Topics covered include: space materials; space durable polymers; simulated space environmental effects; space radiation effects on polymer matrix composites; advanced coatings for spacecraft; Long Duration Exposure Facility; meteoroid and debris velocity distribution; and space environmental effects.

Venneri, Samuel L.↗
DOE OSTI2021

High-precision measurement of U-Pu-Np-Am concentrations and isotope ratios in environmental reference materials by mass spectrometry

Herein, we report results of precise and sensitive mass spectrometric measurements of uranium, plutonium, neptunium, and americium concentrations and isotope ratios in a variety of environmental reference materials. Most of our work has been done on NIST SRM 4350b, River Sediment, but we also present results for NIST SRM 4354, Lake Sediment; NIST SRMs 4355 and 4355a, Peruvian Soil; NIST SRM 4357, Ocean Sediment; NIST SRM 1648a, Urban Particulate Material; NIST SRM 1649b, Urban Dust; IAEA CRM 385, Ocean Sediment; USGS BCR-2, Columbia River Basalt; and USGS BHVO-2, Hawaiian Volcanic Observatory Basalt. These materials reflect a wide range in long-lived actinide concentrations (e.g. 1E4 to 1E10 atoms 239 Pu/g) and isotope ratios. Measurements were performed in a clean laboratory by isotope dilution, multi-collector thermal ionization and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In general, our results are in agreement with, but lower the uncertainty of, literature or certificate values for these reference materials. Our uranium results for the basalts also confirm previously reported high-precision mass spectrometric results from our laboratory. In many cases our measurements of U-Pu-Np-Am nuclides appear to be novel.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1993

Materials, processes, and environmental engineering network

The Materials, Processes, and Environmental Engineering Network (MPEEN) was developed as a central holding facility for materials testing information generated by the Materials and Processes Laboratory. It contains information from other NASA centers and outside agencies, and also includes the NASA Environmental Information System (NEIS) and Failure Analysis Information System (FAIS) data. Environmental replacement materials information is a newly developed focus of MPEEN. This database is the NASA Environmental Information System, NEIS, which is accessible through MPEEN. Environmental concerns are addressed regarding materials identified by the NASA Operational Environment Team, NOET, to be hazardous to the environment. An environmental replacement technology database is contained within NEIS. Environmental concerns about materials are identified by NOET, and control or replacement strategies are formed. This database also contains the usage and performance characteristics of these hazardous materials. In addition to addressing environmental concerns, MPEEN contains one of the largest materials databases in the world. Over 600 users access this network on a daily basis. There is information available on failure analysis, metals and nonmetals testing, materials properties, standard and commercial parts, foreign alloy cross-reference, Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) data, and Materials and Processes Selection List data.

White, Margo M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Are quantum materials economically and environmentally sustainable?

Quantum materials have revolutionized energy, information, and healthcare technologies, yet their development has largely prioritized performance over economic and environmental impacts—key factors for industrial adoption. Using topological materials as a case study, we present a data-driven framework that evaluates over 16,000 materials based on cost, supply chain resilience, energy demand, toxicity, and environmental footprint. By integrating the recently proposed quantum weight – a metric quantifying quantum behavior – we reveal a striking trend: materials with stronger quantum effects often exhibit higher environmental impact, posing challenges for scalability and industrial adoption. To address this, we identify a small set of materials that achieve a balance between quantum functionality and sustainability. Furthermore, our approach enables high-throughput, AI-driven materials discovery that incorporates economic and environmental influences from the outset, guiding the development of quantum materials for next-generation microelectronics and energy harvesting technologies.

AI↗
NASA NTRS2013

Environmentally-driven Materials Obsolescence: Material Replacements and Lessons Learned from NASA's Space Shuttle Program

The Space Shuttle Program was terminated in 2011 with the last flight of the Shuttle Endeavour. During the 30 years of its operating history, the number of domestic and international environmental regulations increased rapidly and resulted in materials obsolescence risks to the program. Initial replacement efforts focused on ozone depleting substances. As pressure from environmental regulations increased, Shuttle worked on the replacement of heavy metals. volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Near the end of the program. Shuttle identified potential material obsolescence driven by international regulations and the potential for suppliers to reformulate materials. During the Shuttle Program a team focused on environmentally-driven materials obsolescence worked to identify and mitigate these risks. Lessons learned from the Shuttle experience can be applied to new NASA Programs as well as other high reliability applications.

Meinhold, Anne↗
NASA NTRS2018

Aerospace Ceramic Materials: Thermal, Environmental Barrier Coatings and SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites for Turbine Engine Applications

Ceramic materials play increasingly important roles in aerospace applications because ceramics have unique properties, including high temperature capability, high stiffness and strengths, excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance. Ceramic materials also generally have lower densities as compared to metallic materials, making them excellent candidates for light-weight hot-section components of aircraft turbine engines, rocket exhaust nozzles, and thermal protection systems for space vehicles when they are being used for high-temperature and ultra-high temperature ceramics applications. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), including non-oxide and oxide CMCs, are also recently being incorporated in gas turbine engines for high pressure and high temperature section components and exhaust nozzles. However, the complexity and variability of aerospace ceramic processing methods, compositions and microstructures, the relatively low fracture toughness of the ceramic materials, still remain the challenging factors for ceramic component design, validation, life prediction, and thus broader applications. This ceramic material section paper presents an overview of aerospace ceramic materials and their characteristics. A particular emphasis has been placed on high technology level (TRL) enabling ceramic systems, that is, turbine engine thermal and environmental barrier coating systems and non-oxide type SiC/SiC CMCs. The current status and future trend of thermal and environmental barrier coatings and SiC/SiC CMC development and applications are described.

Thermal Barrier Coatings↗
NASA NTRS2001

Identification of High Performance, Low Environmental Impact Materials and Processes Using Systematic Substitution (SyS)

Process analysis can identify opportunities for efficiency improvement including cost reduction, increased safety, improved quality, and decreased environmental impact. A thorough, systematic approach to materials and process selection is valuable in any analysis. New operations and facilities design offer the best opportunities for proactive cost reduction and environmental improvement, but existing operations and facilities can also benefit greatly. Materials and processes that have been used for many years may be sources of excessive resource use, waste generation, pollution, and cost burden that should be replaced. Operational and purchasing personnel may not recognize some materials and processes as problems. Reasons for materials or process replacement may include quality and efficiency improvements, excessive resource use and waste generation, materials and operational costs, safety (flammability or toxicity), pollution prevention, compatibility with new processes or materials, and new or anticipated regulations.

Dhooge, P. M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Bio-Based Polyurethane Materials: Technical, Environmental, and Economic Insights

Polyurethane (PU) is widely used due to its attractive properties, but the shift to a low-carbon economy necessitates alternative, renewable feedstocks for its production. This review examines the synthesis, properties, and sustainability of bio-based PU materials, focusing on renewable resources such as lignin, vegetable oils, and polysaccharides. It discusses recent advances in bio-based polyols, their incorporation into PU formulations, and the use of bio-fillers like chitin and nanocellulose to improve mechanical, thermal, and biocompatibility properties. Despite promising material performance, challenges related to large-scale production, economic feasibility, and recycling technologies are highlighted. The paper also reviews life cycle assessment (LCA) studies, revealing the complex and context-dependent environmental benefits of bio-based PU materials. These studies indicate that while bio-based PU materials generally reduce greenhouse gas emissions and non-renewable energy use, their environmental performance varies depending on feedstock and formulation. The paper identifies key areas for future research, including improving biorefinery processes, optimizing crosslinker performance, and advancing recycling methods to unlock the full environmental and economic potential of bio-based PU in commercial applications.

Jayalath, Piumi↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quest for environmentally sustainable materials: A case for animal-based fillers and fibers in polymeric biocomposites

This review explores the potential of animal-based fillers and fibers as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic ones. Examining materials such as wool, silk, feather, hair and beak, the review elucidates their chemistry, structure, properties and sources, emphasizing biodegradability and renewability. It also discusses the compatibility of these materials with polymer matrices and their mechanical, acoustic and thermal performances. Further, the review critically analyzes environmental and ethical implications, presenting challenges and opportunities in the emerging field. By addressing ecological and performance aspects, it contributes to global efforts in fostering sustainability in materials science. Future research to address gaps and enhance the design, manufacture and application of animal-based reinforcements in various industries are clearly outlined at the end of the review.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Characterization, Chemistry, and Particle Size Distribution of Fallout Particles Isolated from Filter Samples

Nuclear particulate fallout is the radioactive byproduct of a nuclear event formed by the mixture of proximate environmental materials with vaporized bomb debris. The debris can be transported into the atmosphere during cloud rise, raining out locally and globally constituting a radiation hazard. Questions remain on how entrainment of environmental material in the fireball affects fallout formation processes and radionuclide incorporation during cooling.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗