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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
NASA NTRS1982

Development and evaluation of polyvinyl-alcohol blend polymer films as battery separators

Several dialdehydes and epoxies were evaluated for their suitability as cross-linkers. Optium concentrations of several cross-linking reagents were determined. A two-step method of cross-linking, which involves treatment of the film in an acid or acid periodate bath, was investigated and dropped in favor of a one-step method in which the acid catalyst, which initiates cross-linking, is added to the PVA - cross-linker solution before casting. The cross-linking was thus achieved during the drying step. This one-step method was much more adaptable to commercial processing. Cross-linked films were characterized as alkaline battery separators. Films were prepared in the lab and tested in cells in order to evaluate the effect of film composition and a number of processing parameters on cell performance. These tests were conducted in order to provide a broader data base from which to select optimum processing parameters. Results of the separator screening tests and the cell tests are discussed.

Manzo, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Polymer blends for LDB applications

A series of LCP/PE blends have been studied to determine the potential of such systems to produce a high modulus balloon film material which retains the balloon fabrication and low temperature flight advantages of the current PE films. Blown films of blends of 5 and 15 percent LCP in PE have been produced which show a 28 percent enhancement in modulus over the neat PE matrix. These results are substantially lower than anticipated and are explained in terms of the LCP reinforcement aspect ratio and fibril diameter.

Lichkus, Andrew M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Viscoelastic properties of entangled polymers - Ternary blends of monodisperse homopolymers

In a previous publication from this laboratory, the Rouse-Bueche-Zimm molecular theory of viscoelasticity has been extended by using a transient network model to apply to binary blends of monodisperse polymers with chain entanglements. The dynamics of the entanglements were modeled both by the enhanced frictional coefficients and by the additional elastic couplings. It was recognized that entanglements not only may form between chains of the same lengths (intracomponent entanglements) but also between those of different lengths (intercomponent entanglements). At a given intercomponent entanglement, the longer chain was assumed to have the frictional coefficient of the shorter chain. Similarly, for blends consisting of several monodisperse components with different molecular weights, such modifications are also required to predict their linear viscoelastic behavior. The frequency of these interactions is assumed to be proportional to the weight ratio of the respective component chains in the blend. Equations of motion are formulated for each component and solved numerically for the relaxation time spectra. Linear viscoelastic properties such as the dynamic mechanical moduli, stress relaxation moduli, and zero-shear viscosity can then be computed for these systems by linear summation of those of the components.

Soong, D.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Molecular Dynamics of ULTEM 9085 for 3D Manufacturing: Spectra, Thermodynamic Properties, and Shear Viscosity.

We present results of a molecular dynamic analysis of welding at the polymer-polymer interface. The analysis is performed for polyetherimide/ polycarbonate polymer blends. The work is motivated by the applications to 3D manufacturing in space. In the first part of the report, we discuss bulk and spectral characteristics of the amorphous polymer blends. The vibrational and infra-red spectra obtained using auto-correlation functions calculations in molecular dynamics are compared with the experimental spectra. The mechanical and thermal properties of the samples including heat capacity, bulk modulus, and thermal expansion coefficients are estimated and compared with experimental values. In the second part of the report, we discuss the result of molecular dynamical modeling of shear viscosity in a fully atomistic model of amorphous polymer blends with flat interface. The key result of the research is the demonstration of shear thinning behavior of the shear viscosity as a function of shear rate which is in good agreement with experimental data.

Luchinsky, Dmitry G.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Polyolefin blends with co-continuous architectures enabled by dynamic covalent crosslinking

Blending polymers produces brittle materials due to macrophase separation and poor interfacial adhesion, which is exemplified by mixtures of polyolefins. This presents a formidable challenge for the mechanical recycling of mixed plastic waste. Here, we demonstrate that dynamic covalent crosslinking of immiscible polyolefin blends creates macrophase separated co-continuous architectures, yet they display excellent mechanical properties, which challenges the conventional wisdom regarding morphology-property relationships in polymer blend compatibilization. We find that the position and orientation of dynamic crosslinks and their influence on crystallinity are key to understanding the structure-morphology-property relationships. In particular, high-resolution microscopy imaging reveals alignment of crystallite planes with strong orientational preference, particularly at polymer-polymer interfaces, which contribute to material performance. We further demonstrate that changes in crosslinker density and valency allow the properties of binary and ternary polyolefin blends to be tuned in a modular fashion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1987

Physical properties of immiscible polymers

The demixing of immiscible polymers in low gravity is discussed. Applications of knowledge gained in this research will provide a better understanding of the role of phase segregation in determining the properties of polymer blends made from immiscible polymers. Knowledge will also be gained regarding the purification of biological materials by partitioning between the two liquid phases formed by solution of the polymers polyethylene glycol and dextran in water. Testing of new apparatus for space flight, extension of affinity phase partitioning, refinement of polymer chemistry, and demixing of isopycnic polymer phases in a one gravity environment are discussed.

Harris, J. Milton↗
NASA NTRS1996

Low Crossover Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC's) using polymer electrolyte membranes are promising power sources for portable and vehicular applications. State of the art technology using Nafion(R) 117 membranes (Dupont) are limited by high methanol permeability and cost, resulting in reduced fuel cell efficiencies and impractical commercialization. Therefore, much research in the fuel cell field is focused on the preparation and testing of low crossover and cost efficient polymer electrolyte membranes. The University of Southern California in cooperation with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is focused on development of such materials. Interpenetrating polymer networks are an effective method used to blend polymer systems without forming chemical links. They provide the ability to modify physical and chemical properties of polymers by optimizing blend compositions. We have developed a novel interpenetrating polymer network based on poly (vinyl - difluoride)/cross-linked polystyrenesulfonic acid polymer composites (PVDF PSSA). Sulfonation of polystyrene accounts for protonic conductivity while the non-polar, PVDF backbone provides structural integrity in addition to methanol rejection. Precursor materials were prepared and analyzed to characterize membrane crystallinity, stability and degree of interpenetration. USC JPL PVDF-PSSA membranes were also characterized to determine methanol permeability, protonic conductivity and sulfur distribution. Membranes were fabricated into membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) and tested for single cell performance. Tests include cell performance over a wide range of temperatures (20 C - 90 C) and cathode conditions (ambient Air/O2). Methanol crossover values are measured in situ using an in-line CO2 analyzer.

Prakash, G. K. Surya↗
DOE OSTI2025

Nanoscale Miscibility in In Situ Polymerized Hybrid Electrolytes Speeds Up Ion Dynamics and Enables Stable Cycling of Li Metal Batteries

While the potential use of copolymerized electrolytes in Li metal batteries is subject to intense investigation, the fundamental understanding of the nanoscale domain formation and its effect on Li + transport is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the Li + transport mechanism and the miscibility of monomers in polymer blend electrolytes derived from the in situ copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and vinylene carbonate (VC) in the presence of polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (PEGDME) plasticizer and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt. The addition of a polar short chain plasticizer reduced the dynamic and structural heterogeneities of the electrolyte. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements and coarse-grained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the nanoscale structure of the electrolytes. The distribution of relaxation times corresponding to the three distinct diffusion mechanisms of the free and interfacial Li + ions at the copolymer/plasticizer and electrolyte/SEI boundaries was analyzed in a broad temperature range to elucidate the Li + transport mechanism. Furthermore, the chemical composition of the SEI and the contribution of a ceramic lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO, Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 ) phase on the interfacial resistance, salt degradation, and SEI stability were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profile analysis and electrochemical testing.

Li metal↗
DOE OSTI2025

Material Extrusion Printing of Poly(Acrylonitrile‐Styrene‐Acrylate) and Poly(Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene) Structures Reinforced with Poly(Phenylene Oxide) Additives for Improved Thermomechanical Properties and their Surface Analysis by Time‐of‐Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Fused filament fabrication offers the ability to 3D print complex geometries made from plastic filament materials; however, these parts are mechanically outperformed by parts created by traditional fabrication methods. To overcome this challenge, a high-performance polymer poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) is incorporated as an additive into two common engineering thermoplastics, poly(acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate) (ASA) and poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS). Structures printed from these polymer blends are more mechanically robust compared to those prepared from the parent polymers, with low loading levels (1–5 wt%) of PPO improving the elastic strength by up to ≈30% relative to the parent terpolymers. Even at higher loading levels (10 and 20 wt% PPO), there is no evidence of additive aggregation in the model thin films, which is supported by compositional analysis of the copolymers and chemical analysis via time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The enhancements in mechanical properties of ASA and ABS blends appear to be a consequence of homogeneous incorporation of the PPO additive. In conclusion, this work explores expanding materials-property space using miscible blends of engineering thermoplastics to improve mechanical performance as a general approach to overcoming challenges with parts created by melt-based material extrusion printing.

additive manufacturing↗
NASA NTRS1988

Shear rheological characterization of motor oils

Measurements of high pressure viscosity, traction coefficient, and EHD film thickness were performed on twelve commercial automotive engine oils, a reference oil, two unformulated base oils and two unformated base oil and polymer blends. An effective high shear rate inlet viscosity was calculated from film thickness and pressure viscosity coefficient. The difference between measured and effective viscosity is a function of the polymer type and concentration. Traction measurements did not discriminate mileage formulated oils from those not so designated.

Bair, Scott↗
DOE OSTI2024

Efficient and Robust Dynamic Crosslinking for Compatibilizing Immiscible Mixed Plastics through In Situ Generated Singlet Nitrenes

Abstract Creating a sustainable economy for plastics demands the exploration of new strategies for efficient management of mixed plastic waste. The inherent incompatibility of different plastics poses a major challenge in plastic mechanical recycling, resulting in phase‐separated materials with inferior mechanical properties. Here, this study presents a robust and efficient dynamic crosslinking chemistry that effectively compatibilizes mixed plastics. Composed of aromatic sulfonyl azides, the dynamic crosslinker shows high thermal stability and generates singlet nitrene species in situ during solvent‐free melt‐extrusion, effectively promoting C─H insertion across diverse plastics. This new method demonstrates successful compatibilization of binary polymer blends and model mixed plastics, enhancing mechanical performance and improving phase morphology. It holds promise for managing mixed plastic waste, supporting a more sustainable lifecycle for plastics.

Chemistry↗
DOE OSTI2024

VOTCA: multiscale frameworks for quantum and classical simulations in soft matter

Many physical phenomena in liquids and soft matter are multiscale by nature and can involve processes with quantum and classical degrees of freedom occurring over a vast range of length- and timescales. Examples range from structure formation processes of complex polymers or even polymer blends (Svaneborg & Everaers, 2023) on the classical side to charge and energy transport and conversion processes (Lee et al., 2019) involving explicit electronic and, therefore, quantum information. The Versatile Object-oriented Toolkit for Coarse-graining Applications (VOTCA) provides multiscale frameworks built on a comprehensive set of methods for the development of classical coarse-grained potentials (VOTCA-CSG) as well as state-of-the art excited state electronic structure methods based on density-functional and many-body Green’s function theories, coupled in mixed quantum-classical models and used in kinetic network models (VOTCA-XTP).

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Systematic study of radioluminescence and light propagation effects in scintillating nanoguide materials

Nanoguide optical waveguides are thermally processed materials based on polymers that have different refractive indices. Scintillating versions of these materials have been under development since 2019 and feature PMMA as the low refractive index constituent and Organic Glass Scintillator-polymer blends as the high index component. Characterization efforts to date have focused on the functional characteristics of nanoguide pertaining to its envisioned use in high-resolution transmission radiography applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1982

Surface temperatures and glassy state investigations in tribology, part 5

Preliminary measurements of high shear rate viscosity at near atmospheric but variable pressure suggest the importance of low normal stress and cavitation or fluid fracture in the type of stress field existing in elastohydrodynam ic inlets and classical hydrodynamic configurations. An experimental basis is given for three regimes of traction in concentrated contacts: a thin film regime characterized by high traction and determined by lambda ratio, a thick film regime characterized by low traction and determined by the speed parameter, and the elastohydrodynamic regime for which traction is controlled by limiting shear stress. Traction measurements were performed with various liquids, two solid lubricants, and a grease. Film thickness and traction measurements of polymer blends and base oils are compared.

Bair, S.↗