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DOE OSTI2021

Observation of asymmetric explosive density evolution in the deflagration-to-detonation transition for porous explosives

We report deflagration-to-detonation transition phenomena in cylindrical columns of porous explosives based on octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX). The HMX powder and LX-14 (95.5 wt. % HMX and 4.5 wt. % estane polyurethane) prills were observed with high-speed cameras and flash x rays under conditions that allow for precise scaling and registration of the recorded images. These experimental results test the conventional assumption of axisymmetric, effective one-dimensional burning. Polycarbonate confinement tubes allowed this direct imaging with steel spheres employed as radio-opaque fiducials. Spheres embedded in the explosive column revealed the displacement of the explosive prior to deflagration. X-ray and fast camera images show that a dense plug of compact explosive develops ahead of the deflagration front. The internal fiducials register both internal changes in the plug and changes in the position between successive x-ray images. Tantalum witness strips placed on the inner wall of the explosive channel revealed radial expansion of the tube bore at successive x-ray exposures, indicating the internal pressure of about 100 MPa just before detonation. Images indicate that the deflagration is not only asymmetric but also involves newly observed transient phenomena just before detonation. Furthermore, we typically see a brief but continuous increase in deflagration speed and the formation of a deflagration channel that bypasses the plug just prior to detonation. We hypothesize that these phenomena play an important role in the deflagration-to-detonation transition itself.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Versatile microbial communities rapidly assimilate ammonium hydroxide-treated plastic waste

Abstract Waste plastic presently accumulates in landfills or the environment. While natural microbial metabolisms can degrade plastic polymers, biodegradation of plastic is very slow. This study demonstrates that chemical deconstruction of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with ammonium hydroxide can replace the rate limiting step (depolymerization) and by producing plastic-derived terephthalic acid and terephthalic acid monoamide. The deconstructed PET (DCPET) is neutralized with phosphoric acid prior to bioprocessing, resulting in a product containing biologically accessible nitrogen and phosphorus from the process reactants. Three microbial consortia obtained from compost and sediment degraded DCPET in ultrapure water and scavenged river water without addition of nutrients. No statistically significant difference was observed in growth rate compared to communities grown on DCPET in minimal culture medium. The consortia were dominated by Rhodococcus spp., Hydrogenophaga spp., and many lower abundance genera. All taxa were related to species known to degrade aromatic compounds. Microbial consortia are known to confer flexibility in processing diverse substrates. To highlight this, we also demonstrate that two microbial consortia can grow on similarly deconstructed polyesters, polyamides, and polyurethanes in water instead of medium. Our findings suggest that microbial communities may enable flexible bioprocessing of mixed plastic wastes when coupled with chemical deconstruction.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2021

Temperature-Dependent Magnetic Properties of Magnetorheological Elastomers

We report on an investigation of the temperature-dependent magnetic properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). These are a class of composites that consist of magnetically permeable particles dispersed in a nonmagnetic polymeric matrix. Under the application of an external magnetic field, a large deformation occurs altering the mechanical properties of these materials. Due to their magnetoelastic coupling response, these materials are finding an increasing interest among the scientific community. These polymer-based composites’ performance depends on many factors, which temperature is one of the biggest influencing factors requiring further investigation. In this work, the magnetic properties of isotropic and anisotropic polyurethane-based MRE with different iron (Fe) particle loading fractions (50, 60, 70, and 80% by weight) were investigated under different temperatures. From the analysis, the magnetization curves of these materials are observed to overlap for the different measured temperature values. The variation of various magnetic properties including saturation magnetization and differential susceptibility with temperature was also determined. Furthermore, the results show ~ 2.5% decrement in the saturation magnetization for each of the loading fractions, between the lowest (300K) and the highest (400K) measured temperature. On the other hand, the initial differential susceptibility exhibits different trends with increasing temperature. Generally, the magnetization response of these materials is seen to be only slightly sensitive to temperature changes. Additionally, the magnetization response is observed to be highly dependent on particle loading fractions and particle orientation within the elastomer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2013

In Situ Foaming of Porous (La 0.6 Sr 0.4 ) 0.98 (Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 ) O 3-δ (LSCF) Cathodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

A binder system containing polyurethane precursors was used to in situ foam (direct foam) a (La{sub 0.6}Sr{sub 0.4}){sub 0.98} (Co{sub 0.2} Fe{sub 0.8}) O{sub 3-{ delta}} (LSCF) composition for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathode applications. The relation between in situ foaming parameters on the final microstructure and electrochemical properties was characterized by microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), respectively. The optimal porous cathode architecture was formed with a 70 vol% solids loading within a polymer precursor composition with a volume ratio of 8:4:1 (isocyanate: PEG: surfactant) in a terpineol-based ink vehicle. The resultant microstructure displayed a broad pore size distribution with highly elongated pore structure.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

DOE OSTI2015

Chemistry and Formation of the Beilby Layer During Polishing of Fused Silica Glass

The chemical characteristics and the proposed formation mechanisms of the modified surface layer (called the Beilby layer) on polished fused silica glasses are described. Fused silica glass samples were polished using different slurries, polyurethane pads, and at different rotation rates. The concentration profiles of several key contaminants, such as Ce, K, and H, were measured in the near surface layer of the polished samples using Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS). The penetration of K, originating from KOH used for pH control during polishing, decreased with increase in polishing material removal rate. In contrast, penetration of the Ce and H increased with increase in polishing removal rate. In addition, Ce penetration was largely independent of the other polishing parameters (e.g., particle size distribution and the properties of the polishing pad). The resulting K concentration depth profiles are described using a two-step diffusion process: (1) steady-state moving boundary diffusion (due to material removal during polishing) followed by (2) simple diffusion during ambient postpolishing storage. Using known alkali metal diffusion coefficients in fused silica glass, this diffusion model predicts concentration profiles that are consistent with the measured data at various polishing material removal rates. On the other hand, the observed Ce profiles are inconsistent with diffusion based transport. Rather we propose that Ce penetration is governed by the ratio of Ce–O–Si and Si–O–Si hydrolysis rates; where this ratio increases with interface temperature (which increases with polishing material removal rate) resulting in greater Ce penetration into the Beilby layer. Calculated Ce surface concentrations using this mechanism are in good agreement to the observed change in measured Ce surface concentrations with polishing material removal rate. In conclusion, these new insights into the chemistry of the Beilby layer, combined together with details of the single particle removal function during polishing, are used to develop a more detailed and quantitative picture of the polishing process and the formation of the Beilby layer.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2018

Nanoplastic removal function and the mechanical nature of colloidal silica slurry polishing

The nanomechanical deformations on a broad range of optical material surfaces (single crystals of Al 2 O 3 [sapphire], SiC, Y 3 Al 5 O 12 [YAG], CaF 2 , and LiB 3 O 5 [LBO]; a SiO 2 –Al 2 O 3 –P 2 O 5 –Li 2 O glass-ceramics [Zerodur]; and glasses of SiO 2 :TiO 2 [ULE], SiO 2 [fused silica], and P 2 O 5 –Al 2 O 3 –K 2 O–BaO [Phosphate]) near the elastic-plastic load boundary have been measured by nanoindentation and nanoscratching to mimic the nanoplastic removal caused by a single slurry particle during polishing. Nanoindenation in air was performed to determine the workpiece hardness at various loads using a commercial nanoindenter with a Berkovich tip. Similarly, an atomic force microscope (AFM) with a stiff diamond coated tip (150 nm radius) was used to produce nanoplastic scratches in air and aqueous environments over a range of applied loads (~20-170 μN). The resulting nanoplastic deformation of the nanoscratches were used to calculate the removal function (i.e., depth per pass) which ranged from 0.18 to 3.6 nm per pass for these materials. A linear correlation between the nanoplastic removal function and the polishing rate (using a fixed polishing process with colloidal silica slurry on a polyurethane pad) of these materials was observed implying that: (a) the polishing mechanism using colloidal silica slurry can be dominated by mechanical rather than chemical interactions; and (b) the nanoplastic removal function, as opposed to interface particle interactions, is the controlling factor for the polishing material removal rate. Furthermore, this correlation is consistent with the Ensemble Hertzian Multi-Gap (EHMG) microscopic material removal rate model described previously. The nanoplastic removal depth was also found to correlate to the measured nanoindentation hardness (H1) of the optical material, scaling as H 1 -3.5 . Two-dimensional (2D) finite element analysis simulations of nanoindentation showed a similar nonlinear dependence of plastic deformation with the workpiece material hardness. The findings of this study are used to determine an effective Preston coefficient for the material removal rate expression and enhance the predictive nature of the nanoplastic polishing rate for various materials utilizing their material properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Wear of Wave Energy Converters Mooring Lines Belts

Using a belt as a replacement for a rope on a rotary power take-offs (PTOs) system has become more common for wave energy converters, improving cyclic bend over sheave performance with a smaller bending thickness for belts. However, the service life predictions of PTOs are a major concern in design, because belt performance under harsh underwater environments is largely less studied. Here, in this work, the effect of fleet and twist angles on wear life is being investigated both experimentally and numerically. Two three-dimensional equivalent static finite element models are constructed to evaluate the complex stress state of polyurethane-steel belts around steel drums. The first is to capture the response of the experimental investigation performed on the wear life, and the second to predict the wear life of an existing functional PTO. The results show a significant effect for fleet and twist angles on stress concentrations and estimated service life.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

DOE OSTI2021

Thermo-Oxidation Analysis of Structural Adhesives: An Experimental Study

Abstract Cross-linked polymers play an important role in structural applications as adhesives. In this article, we performed an experimental study to understand the effects of high temperature i.e. thermo-oxidative aging on the mechanical behavior of polymers. Subsequently, the constitutive behavior, i.e. stress-strain relation of these adhesives before and after the accelerated aging tests were studied on samples aged at different temperature and different time durations at zero humidity. The aging conditions and periods selected for the tests have been specifically designed to simulate the effects of aging under the working conditions that the materials will be subjected to in their standard applications. The focus of this study is on the investigation of the effects of aging on the polymeric adhesives used in automotive applications. Consequently, four different polymeric adhesives (one silicone-based, two polyurethane-based, and one acrylic type), which are being used extensively in these applications, have been chosen. The quasi-static tensile loading was used on these four adhesives and the changes in the constitutive behavior were measured. The failure tensile tests as well as the cyclic tensile tests were performed in our lab using a Test-Resources tensile testing machine. The temperatures that were used in this work are 60, 80 and 95°C for varying aging periods of 24hrs, 240hrs, and 720hrs. Then, all the data was collected and consequently analyzed, and the resulting behavior was compared to that of the unaged material, showing varying results depending on the material, temperature, and aging period. Different behaviors have been observed after aging. The polymers’ behavior was expanding from no effect to significant damage caused by aging conditions. This work provides the core understanding required for modeling the material behavior during aging and lays down the groundwork for further data-infused model-free approaches.

Alazhary, Sharif↗

DOE OSTI2022

Experimental Characterization of Hygrothermal Aging: Competition Between Thermo-Oxidation and Hydrolysis Phenomena

Abstract In this work, we have presented a comparison between effects of accelerated thermo-oxidative, hydrolytic and hygrothermal aging on the mechanical and chemical properties of a polyurethane based (PUB) adhesive. The adhesive is a flexible adhesive which is extensively used in automobile industry as a glass sealant. During service life it gets exposed to the hygrothermal environment and the integrity of matrix interface is most vulnerable. This study focuses on weighing and comparing effects of different aging environments on material behavior; and it shows that hygrothermal aging environment results as a competition between two sub-aging phenomena i.e., thermo-oxidation and hydrolytic aging. Samples were exposed to 0%RH, 80%RH and submerged condition in distilled water. Uni-axial tensile tests, and cross-link density analysis by swelling test were carried out on as-received and aged samples. The aging process was conducted at three different temperatures (60°C, 80°C and 95°C) and for four different exposure durations of 1, 10, 30, and 90 days. This work confirms that the effect of hygrothermal aging is a result of competition between thermo-oxidation and hydrolytic aging environments. The total mechanical and environmental damage incurred by specimens is a collaborative effect of all exposure environments involved i.e., aging time, temperature, oxygen, water and humidity. The results are in agreement with the chemical test outcomes as well.

Shaafaey, Mamoon↗

DOE OSTI2015

SU-E-T-663: Radiation Properties of a Water-Equivalent Material Formulated Using the Stoichiometric Analysis Method in Heavy Charged Particle Therapy

Purpose: A material has been designed to be employed as water-equivalent in particle therapy using a previously established stoichiometric analysis method (SAM). After manufacturing, experimental verification of the material’s water-equivalent path length (WEPL) and analysis of its total inelastic nuclear interaction cross sections for proton beams were performed. Methods: Using the SAM, we optimized the material composed of three base materials, i.e., polyurethane, calcium carbonate and microspheres. From the elemental composition of the compound, electron density, linear attenuation coefficients, particle stopping powers and inelastic nuclear cross sections for protons using data from ICRU 63 were calculated. The calculations were then compared to Hounsfield units (HUs) measured with 350 mAs at 80, 100, 120 and 140 kV and the WEPLs measured with three different ions: proton (106.8 MeV/u), helium (107.93 MeV/u) and carbon (200.3 MeV/u). Results: The material’s measured HUs (0.7±3.0 to 2.6±6.2 HU) as well as its calculated relative electron density (1.0001) are in close agreement with water as reference. The WEPLs measured on a 20.00 mm thick target were 20.16±0.12, 20.29±0.12 and 20.38±0.12 mmH2O for proton, helium and carbon ions, respectively. Within measurement uncertainties, these values verified the calculated WEPLs of 20.28 mmH2O (proton), 20.28 mmH2O (helium) and 20.26 mmH2O (carbon). Moreover, the calculated proton inelastic cross sections of the material differed only by 0.89% (100 MeV/u) and 0.01% (200 MeV/u) when compared to water. Conclusion: The SAM is capable of optimizing material with defined properties, e.g., HU, electron density, WEPL and inelastic nuclear interaction cross section for particle therapy. Such material will have a wide range of applications amongst others absolute dosimetry. This work was supported by grant ZIM KF2137107AK4 from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-164: Investigation of PRESAGE Formulation On Signal Quenching in a Proton Beam

Purpose: The radiochromic polyurethane PRESAGE by Heuris Pharma has had limited applications with protons because of a dose response dependence on LET resulting in signal quenching in the Bragg peak. This is due to the radical initiator, a halocarbon, radically recombining in high-LET irradiations. This study investigated the use of alternative halocarbons at various chemical concentrations to determine their significance in signal quenching. Methods: PRESAGE was manufactured in-house and cast in small volume cuvettes (1×1×4cm^3). Several compositions were evaluated to determine the influence of the radical initiator component. Mixtures contained one of two halocarbons, chloroform or bromoform, at concentrations of 5%/10%/15%(w/w). A large volume, cylindrical PRESAGE dosimeter made following the mixture described by Heuris Pharma, 4cm(D)×8.5cm(H), was irradiated with 200-MeV protons to study regions of low- and high-LET along a 10cm spread out Bragg peak isodose profile. Depths corresponding to regions of low quenching (<3%) and high quenching (>20%) were determined. These depths were used for cuvette placement in a solid water phantom. Samples of each formulation were placed at each depth and irradiated to doses between 0 and 10Gy. Results: The cuvettes indicated different levels of quenching for different radical initiator types, concentrations, and total doses. Chloroform formulations showed reduced quenching from 29%(5%-w/w) to 21%(15%-w/w) while bromoform reduced quenching from 27%(5%-w/w) to 17%(15%-w/w). The reduction in quenching was found to be non-linear with concentration of radical initiator. A quenching dose-dependency was also found that changed with formulation. In all cases, quenching was relatively consistent from 0–5Gy but increased at 10Gy. The quenching decreased as concentrations of radical initiator increased. Conclusion: The radical initiator component in PRESAGE is correlated with the signal quenching observed in proton irradiations and formulation adjustments show promise as a method of reducing this quenching. Future work will further investigate concentration limits and optimize the formulation. Grant number 5RO1CA100835.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-171: Manufacturing Cost Effective Heterogeneous Phantoms for Use in Proton Therapy

Purpose: To study the feasibility of 3D printing cost effective heterogeneous phantoms for use in proton therapy treatment planning quality assurance. Methods: A desktop 3D printer was utilized to create a series of 2 cm × 2 cm × 4 cm PLA plastic blocks of varying fill materials and hexagonal fill pattern. The blocks were than tested when filled with air, polyurethane foam, paraffin, silicone, and caulk of calcium carbonate – acrylic polymer blend. The blocks were evaluated with a “GE Lightspeed” 16 slice CT scanner and average CT# of the materials’ centers evaluated. Blocks were then placed into a custom aperture fitted to a Mevion Proton system to determine the relative stopping power of each. Scans were performed in water tank with Marcus type parallel plate chamber under a beam with a range of 15 cm and modulation of 2 cm. Shifts in range occurring relative to the 80% distal edge of the open SOBP were evaluated. Results: The CT#s of the blocks were plotted against their measured relative stopping power. This curve was compared to that which is in clinical use. While the trend agrees generally, specific differences between the relative stopping powers were as great as 10%. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that it is possible to utilize different cost effective materials in the manufacturing of phantoms for use in proton therapy. While different materials may provide better agreement to established calibration curves, a custom curve specific to the materials used may be utilized to accurately predict proton treatment dose distributions.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-550: Radiochromic Plastic Thin Sheet Dosimeter: Initial Performance

Purpose: Thin sheets, of a high sensitivity formulation of radiochromic dosimeter, Presage were prepared and evaluated for optical readout. Methods: Sheets of radiochromic polyurethane, 12 cm long, 10 cm wide and 0.2 cm thick were prepared with leuco crystal violet as the reporter molecule. Sample transmission was evaluated at a wavelength of 590 nm with in-house constructed instruments: optical cone beam laser CT scanner, fixed and scanning spot densitometers. Sample sequential irradiations to a total dose of 40 Gy were conducted with a modified, Theratron 60, cobalt radiotherapy machine at dose rates of 1 or 0.25 Gy per minute. Exposure to ambient and readout light was minimized to limit background photochromic signals. Samples were stored at 4°C. Optical activity was assessed from linearly polarized transmission images. Comparison sensitivity measurements with EBT3 film were conducted. Results: Samples were transparent, smooth and pale purple before irradiation. Radiochromic reaction was completed in less than 5 minutes. A linear dose response with a sensitivity of 0.5 cm-1Gy-1 was observed. Micrometer measurements found sheet thickness variations up to 20%. Uniform dose, 2 Gy attenuation images, correlated with local sheet thicknesses. Comparable measurements with EBT3 film were 3 times more sensitive at 1 Gy but above 15 Gy, EBT3 film had lower sensitivity than 0.2 cm thick Presage sheet dosimeter due to its non-linear response. Conclusion: Dose sensitivity provided a 10% decrease in transmission for a 1 Gy dose. Improvements in mold design are expected to allow production of sheets with less than 5% variation in thickness. Above, 10 Gy, Presage sheet dosimeter performance expected to exceed EBT3 film based on linearity, sensitivity, transparency and smoothness of samples. J Adamovics is owner of Heuris Inc.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2016

SU-G-IeP1-08: MR Geometric Distortion Dependency On Imaging Sequence, Acquisition Orientation and Receiver Bandwidth of a Dedicated 1.5T MR-Simulator

Purpose: To investigate the 3D geometric distortion of four potential MR sequences for radiotheraptic applications, and its dependency on sequence-type, acquisition-orientation and receiver-bandwidth from a dedicated 1.5T 700mm-wide bore MR-simulator (Magnetom-Aera, Sienmens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany), using a large customized geometric accuracy phantom. Methods: This work studied 3D gradient-echo (VIBE) and spin-echo (SPACE) sequences for anatomical imaging; a specific ultra-short-TE sequence (PETRA) potentially for bone imaging and MR-based dosimetry; and a motion-insensitive sequence (BLADE) for dynamic applications like 4D-MRI. Integrated geometric-correction was employed, three orthogonal acquisition-orientations and up to three receiver-bandwidths were used, yielding 27 acquisitions for testing (Table 1a).A customized geometric accuracy phantom (polyurethane, MR/CT invisible, W×L×H:55×55×32.5cm3) was constructed and filled with 3892 spherical markers (6mm diameter, MR/CT visible) arranged on a 25mm-interval 3D isotropic-grid (Fig.1). The marker positions in MR images were quantitatively calculated and compared against those in the CT-reference using customized MatLab scripts. Results: The average distortion within various diameter-of-spherical-volumes (DSVs) and the usable DSVs under various distortion limits were measured (Tables 1b-c). It was observed that distortions fluctuated when sequence-type, acquisition-orientation or receiver-bandwidth changed (e.g. within 300mm-DSV, the lowest/highest average distortions of VIBE were 0.40mm/0.59mm, a 47.5% difference). According to AAPM-TG66 (<1mm distortion, left-most column of Table 1c), PETRA (Largest-DSV:253.9mm) has the potential on brain treatment, while BLADE (Largest-DSV:207.2mm) may need improvement for thoracic/abdominal applications. The results of VIBE (Largest-DSVs:294.3mm, the best among tested acquisitions) and SPACE (Largest-DSVs:267.7mm) suggests their potentials on head and neck applications. These Largest-DSVs were attained on different acquisition-orientations and receiver-bandwidths. Conclusion: Geometric distortion was shown to be dependent on sequence-type, acquisition-orientation and receiver-bandwidth. In the experiment, no configuration in any one of these factors could consistently reduce distortion while the others were varying. The distortion analysis result is a valuable guideline for sequence selection and optimization for MR-aided radiotherapy applications.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

SU-G-TeP2-06: Development of Novel Radiochromic Films for Radiotherapy Dosimetry

Purpose: To develop and evaluate novel radiochromic films for quality assurance in radiotherapy dosimetry. Materials and Methods: Novel radiochromic film compositions were formulated using leuco crystal violet (LCV) as a reporting system and tetrabromoethane as a free radical source. The film matrix used consisted of polyurethane polymer mixed with dibutyl phthalate plasticizer (20 wt%). The concentration of the radical initiator was kept constant at 10 wt% and the concentration of the LCV dye varied (1 and 2 wt%). To ensure uniform thickness of the film, its precursors were sandwiched between two pieces of glass separated by a 1 mm gap between during the curing process. The films were cut into pieces and were irradiated with a 6 MV X-ray beam to selected doses. The change in optical density was measured using a flatbed scanner and a spectrophotometer. Results: The results showed that all film formulations exhibited a linear response with dose and an absorption maximum at ∼ 590 nm. The formulation with 2 wt% LCV was ∼ 30% more sensitive to dose than the formulation with 1 wt% LCV. Both films were very deformable. In addition, the radiochromic response of the film was found to bleach over a short period of time (few weeks) allowing the film to be reused for dose verification measurements. Conclusion: Both film formulations displayed excellent sensitivity and linearity to radiation dose and thus can be used for the 2D dosimetry of clinical megavoltage and kilovoltage X-ray beams. In addition, the thickness of the film could easily be increased allowing for their potential use as a deformable bolus material. However, thicker films would need more optimization of the manufacturing procedure to ensure consistent material uniformity and sensitivity are recommended.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

TH-CD-201-05: Characterization of a Novel Light-Collimating Tank Optical-CT System for 3D Dosimetry

Purpose: Comprehensive 3D dosimetry is highly desirable for advanced clinical QA, but costly optical readout techniques have hindered widespread implementation. Here, we present the first results from a cost-effective Integrated-lens Dry-tank Optical Scanner (IDOS), designed for convenient 3D dosimetry readout of radiochromic plastic dosimeters (e.g. PRESAGE). Methods: The scanner incorporates a novel transparent light-collimating tank, which collimates a point light source into parallel-ray CT geometry. The tank was designed using an in-house Monte-Carlo optical ray-tracing simulation, and was cast in polyurethane using a 3D printed mould. IDOS spatial accuracy was evaluated by imaging a set of custom optical phantoms, with comparison to x-ray CT images. IDOS dose measurement performance was assessed by imaging PRESAGE dosimeters irradiated with simple known dose distributions (e.g., 4 field box 6MV treatment with Varian Linac). Direct comparisons were made to images from our gold standard DLOS scanner and calculated dose distributions from a commissioned Eclipse planning system. Results: All optical CT images were reconstructed at 1mm isotropic resolution. Comparison of IDOS and x-ray CT images of the geometric phantom demonstrated excellent IDOS geometric accuracy (sub-mm) throughout the dosimeter. IDOS measured 3D dose distribution agreed well with prediction from Eclipse, with 95% gamma pass rate at 3%/3mm. Cross-scanner dose measurement gamma analysis shows >90% of pixels passing at 3%/3mm. Conclusion: The first prototype of the IDOS system has demonstrated promising performance, with accurate dosimeter readout and negligible spatial distortion. The use of optical simulations and 3D printing to create a light collimating-tank has dramatically increased convenience and reduced costs by removing the need for expensive lenses and large volumes of refractive matching fluids.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2016

Electron Beam Curing of Composite Positive Electrode for Li-Ion Battery

We have successfully used electron beam cured acrylated polyurethanes as novel binders for positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, the cross-linked polymer after electron beam curing coheres active materials and carbon black together onto Al foil. Electrochemical tests demonstrate the stability of the polymer at a potential window of 2.0 V–4.6 V. The electrode is found to have similar voltage profiles and charge-transfer resistance compared to the conventional electrode using polyvinylidene fluoride as the binder. Finally, when the electrode is tested in full Li-ion cells, they exhibit excellent cycling performance, indicating promising use for this new type of binder in commercial Li-ion batteries in the future.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Selective Equatorial Sclera Crosslinking in the Orbit Using a Metal-Coated Polymer Waveguide

Purpose: Photochemical crosslinking of the sclera is an emerging technique that may prevent excessive eye elongation in pathologic myopia by stiffening the scleral tissue. To overcome the challenge of uniform light delivery in an anatomically restricted space, we previously introduced the use of flexible polymer waveguides. We presently demonstrate advanced waveguides that are optimized to deliver light selectively to equatorial sclera in the intact orbit. Methods: Our waveguides consist of a polydimethylsiloxane cladding and a polyurethane core, coupled to an optical fiber. A reflective silver coating deposited on the top and side surfaces of the waveguide prevents light leakage to nontarget, periorbital tissue. Postmortem rabbits were used to test the feasibility of in situ equatorial sclera crosslinking. Tensometry measurements were performed on ex vivo rabbit eyes to confirm a biomechanical stiffening effect. Results: Metal-coated waveguides enabled efficient light delivery to the entire circumference of the equatorial sclera with minimal light leakage to the periorbital tissues. Blue light was delivered to the intact orbit with a coefficient of variation in intensity of 22%, resulting in a 45 ± 11% bleaching of riboflavin fluorescence. A 2-fold increase in the Young's modulus at 5% strain (increase of 92% P < 0.05, at 25 J/cm 2 ) was achieved for ex vivo crosslinked eyes. Conclusions: Flexible polymer waveguides with reflective, biocompatible surfaces are useful for sclera crosslinking to achieve targeted light delivery. We anticipate that our demonstrated procedure will be applicable to sclera crosslinking in live animal models and, potentially, humans in vivo.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗