Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Graphite powder”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4

Oxidation resistant slurry coating for carbon-based materials

An oxidation resistant coating is produced on carbon-base materials, and the same processing step effects an infiltration of the substrate with silicon containing material. The process comprises making a slurry of nickel and silicon powders in a nitrocellulose lacquer, spraying onto the graphite or carbon-carbon substrate, and sintering in vacuum to form a fused coating that wets and covers the surface as well as penetrates into the pores of the substrate. Optimum wetting and infiltration occurs in the range of Ni-60 w/o Si to Ni-90 w/o Si with deposited thicknesses of 25-100 mg/sq. cm. Sintering temperatures of about 1200 C to about 1400 C are used, depending on the melting point of the specific coating composition. The sintered coating results in Ni-Si intermetallic phases and SiC, both of which are highly oxidation resistant.

Smialek, J. L.↗

Graphite resistive heated diamond anvil cell for simultaneous high-pressure and high-temperature diffraction experiments

High-pressure and high-temperature experiments using a resistively heated diamond anvil cell have the advantage of heating samples homogeneously with precise temperature control. Here, we present the design and performance of a graphite resistive heated diamond anvil cell (GRHDAC) setup for powder and single-crystal x-ray diffraction experiments developed at the Extreme Conditions Beamline (P02.2) at PETRA III, Hamburg, Germany. In the GRHDAC, temperatures up to 2000 K can be generated at high pressures by placing it in a water-cooled vacuum chamber. Temperature estimates from thermocouple measurements are within +/–35 K at the sample position up to 800 K and within +90 K between 800 and 1400 K when using a standard seat combination of cBN and WC. Isothermal compression at high temperatures can be achieved by employing a remote membrane control system. Importantly, the advantage of the GRHDAC is demonstrated through the study of geophysical processes in the Earth’s crust and upper mantle region.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Characterization and development of materials for advanced textile composites

Work ongoing under the NASA Langley - Advanced Composite Technology (ACT) program is discussed. The primary emphasis of the work centers around the development and characterization of graphite fiber that has been impregnated with an epoxy powder. Four epoxies have been characterized in towpreg form as to their weaveability and braidability. Initial mechanical properties have been generated on each resin system. These include unidirectional as well as 8-harness satin cloth. Initial 2D and 3D weaving and braiding trials will be reported on as well as initial efforts to develop towpreg suitable for advanced tow placement.

Hartness, J. Timothy↗

Thermoelectric properties of n-type polycrystalline BixSb2-xTe3 alloys

(BixSbl-x)2Te3(.5 = x = .7) polycrystalline samples were synthesized using a combination of melting and powder metallurgy techniques. The samples were hot pressed in graphite dies and cut perpendicular and parallel to the pressing direction. Samples were examined by microprobe analysis to determine their atomic composition. The thermoelectric properties were measured at room temperature in both directions. These properties include Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and Hall effect. The thermoelectric figure-of-merit, ZT, was calculated fiom these properties.

thermoelectric power generation segmented↗

Solid Phase Processing of Lead-Free Brass with Carbon Additives

Currently, “lead-free” brass alloys (like C27450/C27451/C6930), used extensively in drinking water fixtures and automotive, electrical, and electronic applications contain maximum 0.25% lead to maintain mechanical performance and machinability. Adding graphite to brass as an alternative to lead, using casting, powder metallurgy, and extrusion methods, has been explored previously. However, all these methods have proven to be energy-, time-, and resource-intensive, while not enabling performance equivalent to that of C36000 brass. In this project, we developed a one-step approach using friction extrusion and ShAPE to make lead-free brass/graphite components such as wires, rods and tubes with mechanical performance equivalent to commercial lead-free brass alloys. Manufacturing temperatures were maintained ~550-730 °C with feed rates ranging between 4 – 25 mm/min. Results show larger grains at the center of the rods and wires with smaller grains developing at the edges. Graphite particles were sheared in the direction of extrusion with higher strains observed towards the edges. Hardness of the brass/graphite samples was over 25% higher than that of the corresponding brass-only samples (rods and wires), also friction extruded. Our results show that the sub-micron graphite plays an important role in limiting process temperature and restraining grain growth during friction extrusion, thus reducing grain size in composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Coal as Value-Added for Lithium Battery Anodes (Final Report)

Graphite is a basic material used for energy storage in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. More than 70% of worldwide graphite production and nearly 50% of the annual graphite supply for the United States comes from China. Potential economic and national security concerns exist because Li-ion batteries are used not only for the fast-growing electrical vehicle market (15.6% compound annual growth rate [CAGR] from 2018 to 2028 in North America), but also for defense applications including unmanned aerial and ground vehicles. Development of an alternative formulation for Li-ion batteries is key. Building upon previous research confirming the ability of silicon alloys to improve the energy density of anodes, Semplastics developed a novel material based on our X-MAT® polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) technology. The X-MAT anode material is a composite of chemically tailored silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and domestically sourced coal powder, designed to be a drop-in replacement for graphite within Li-ion battery anodes. Preliminary tests of this material showed more than twice the reversible capacity of graphite anodes (1,000 mAh/g vs. 372 mAh/g), with excellent stability and capacity retention, almost 100% coulombic efficiency, low voltage potential, and low thermal expansion. At full adoption in 2024, we expect the coal utilization to reach 27,300 tons. Through this project, Semplastics proposed to complete development and begin commercialization of this material. The objective was to determine the best formulation for technical performance and economic viability. At the end of the project, the X-MAT anode material is ready for implementation into existing battery manufacturing processes and can have a significant impact on the utilization of coal, with positive effects for the mining sector and the mitigation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Fischer-Tropsch-Type Production of Organic Materials in the Solar Nebula: Studies Using Graphite Catalysts and Measuring the Trapping of Noble Gases

The formation of abundant carbonaceous material in meteorites is a long standing problem and an important factor in the debate on the potential for the origin of life in other stellar systems. The Fischer-Tropsch-type (FTT) catalytic reduction of CO by hydrogen was once the preferred model for production of organic materials in the primitive solar nebula. We have demonstrated that many grain surfaces can catalyze both FTT and HB-type reactions, including amorphous iron and magnesium silicates, pure silica smokes as well as several minerals. Graphite is not a particularly good FTT catalyst, especially compared to iron powder or to amorphous iron silicate. However, like other silicates that we have studied, it gets better with exposure to CO. N2 and H2 over time: e.g., after formation of a macromolecular carbonaceous layer on the surfaces of the underlying gains. While amorphous iron silicates required only 1 or 2 experimental runs to achieve steady state reaction rates, graphite only achieved steady state after 6 or more experiments. We will present results showing the catalytic action of graphite grains increasing with increasing number of experiments and will also discuss the nature of the final "graphite" grains aster completion of our experiments.

Nuth, Joseph A., III↗

CMB-13 research on carbon and graphite

The effects of grinding on Santa Maria coke are considered, as well as the production of resin-bonded graphite from the coke. Kynol fibers, properties and purities of coal tar pitches, carbonization of resin components, synthesis of gamma BL (4-furfuryl 2-pentenoic acid gamma lactone), and a glass-like carbon powder for use as a filler are also discussed. The hydrogen contents of commercial cokes and graphites are tabulated, and a quantimet image-analyzing computer and its operation are described.

Smith, M. C.↗

The Hot-Pressing of Hafnium Carbide (Melting Point, 7030 F)

An investigation was undertaken to determine the effects of the hot-pressing variables (temperature, pressure, and time) on the density and grain size of hafnium carbide disks. The purpose was to provide information necessary for the production of high-density test shapes for the determination of physical and mechanical properties. Hot-pressing of -325 mesh hafnium carbide powder was accomplished with a hydraulic press and an inductively heated graphite die assembly. The ranges investigated for each variable were as follows: temperature, 3500 to 4870 F; pressure, 1000 to 6030 pounds per square inch; and time, 5 to 60 minutes. Hafnium carbide bodies of approximately 98 percent theoretical density can be produced under the following minimal conditions: 4230 F, 3500 pounds per square inch, and 15 minutes. Further increases in temperature and time resulted only in greater grain size.

Sanders, William A.↗

Method of preventing oxidation of graphite fireproof material

A method of preventing oxidation of graphite fireproof material is given. A blend of 1 to 33 weight parts alumina and 3 to 19 parts of K2O + Na2O in 100 parts of SiO2 is pulverized followed by addition of 5 to 160 parts of silicon carbide powder in 100 parts of the mixture. This is thoroughly blended and coated on the surface of graphite fireproof material.

Yamauchi, S.↗

Solid-state reaction mediated microstructural evolution in a spark plasma sintered in situ Ti–B 4 C composite

For this study, a novel porosity-free in situ Ti–B 4 C composite was fabricated via spark plasma sintering (SPS). Detailed analysis of the phase evolution, coupling results from XRM, XRD and SEM-EBSD-EDS, indicate that primarily TiB 2 precipitates formed due to the in-situ reactions between the boron-carbide and titanium powders. The precipitation of TiB 2 resulted in the formation of a graphitic C-rich thin layer circumscribing the partially reacted B 4 C particles. Further progression of the in-situ reaction leads to the out-diffusion of the excess carbon from the B 4 C particles, across the graphite and TiB 2 phases, forming TiC upon reacting with the titanium matrix. Therefore, the final microstructure primarily consisted of TiB 2 , TiC, and partially reacted B 4 C phases, with small amounts of TiB, α-Ti, and graphite. Furthermore, the microstructure in these SPS processed in situ composites appeared to be the product of a solid-state Ti–B 4 C diffusion couple, substantially different from their fusion-based additively manufactured counterparts. Nano-indentation tests revealed a remarkably high average hardness of ~25 GPa for this SPS-processed Ti–B 4 C composite and comparable (with literature) phase-specific hardness and modulus values for the constituent TiB 2 , TiC, and B 4 C phases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Vacuum Plasma Spray Forming of Tungsten Lorentz Force Accelerator Components

The Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed and demonstrated a fabrication technique using the VPS process to form anode sections for a Lorentz force accelerator from tungsten. Lorentz force accelerators are an attractive form of electric propulsion that provides continuous, high-efficiency propulsion at useful power levels for such applications as orbit transfers or deep space missions. The VPS process is used to deposit refractory metals such as tungsten onto a graphite mandrel of the desired shape. Because tungsten is reactive at high temperatures, it is thermally sprayed in an inert environment where the plasma gun melts and accelerates the metal powder onto the mandrel. A three-axis robot inside the chamber controls the motion of the plasma spray torch. A graphite mandrel acts as a male mold, forming the required contour and dimensions of the inside surface of the anode. This paper describes the processing techniques, design considerations, and process development associated with the VPS forming of the Lorentz force accelerator.

Zimmerman, Frank R.↗

Vacuum Plasma Spray Forming of Tungsten Lorentz Force Accelerator Components

The Vacuum Plasma Spray (VPS) Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, working with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has developed and demonstrated a fabrication technique using the VPS process to form anode and cathode sections for a Lorentz force accelerator made from tungsten. Lorentz force accelerators are an attractive form of electric propulsion that provides continuous, high-efficiency propulsion at useful power levels for such applications as orbit transfers or deep space missions. The VPS process is used to deposit refractory metals such as tungsten onto a graphite mandrel of the desired shape. Because tungsten is reactive at high temperatures, it is thermally sprayed in an inert environment where the plasma gun melts and deposits the molten metal powder onto a mandrel. A three-axis robot inside the chamber controls the motion of the plasma spray torch. A graphite mandrel acts as a male mold, forming the required contour and dimensions for the inside surface of the anode or cathode of the accelerator. This paper describes the processing techniques, design considerations, and process development associated with the VPS forming of Lorentz force accelerator components.

Zimmerman, Frank R.↗

Resin char oxidation retardant for composites

Boron powder stabilizes char, so burned substances are shiny, smooth, and free of loose graphite fibers. Resin weight loss of laminates during burning in air is identical for the first three minutes for unfilled and boron-filled samples, then boron samples stabilize.

Bowles, K. J.↗

Laser/Plasma/Chemical-Vapor Deposition Of Diamond

Proposed process for deposition of diamond films includes combination of plasma induced in hydrocarbon feed gas by microwave radiation and irradiation of plasma and substrate by lasers. Deposition of graphite suppressed. Reaction chamber irradiated at wavelength favoring polymerization of CH2 radical into powders filtered out of gas. CH3 radicals, having desired sp3 configuration, remains in gas to serve as precursors for deposition. Feed gas selected to favor formation of CH3 radicals; candidates include CH4, C2H4, C2H2, and C2H6. Plasma produced by applying sufficient power at frequency of 2.45 GHz and adjusting density of gas to obtain electron kinetic energies around 100 eV in low-pressure, low-temperature regime.

Hsu, George C.↗

Thermal Conductivity of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer/Nanofiller Blends

To reduce weight and increase the mobility, comfort, and performance of future spacesuits, flexible, thermally conductive fabrics and plastic tubes are needed for the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. Such improvements would allow astronauts to operate more efficiently and safely for extended extravehicular activities. As an approach to raise the thermal conductivity (TC) of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Elvax(TM)260), it was compounded with three types of carbon based nanofillers: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), vapor grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and expanded graphite (EG). In addition, other nanofillers including metallized CNFs, nickel nanostrands, boron nitride, and powdered aluminum were also compounded with Elvax(TM) 260 in the melt at various loading levels. In an attempt to improve compatibility between Elvax 260 and the nanofillers, MWCNTs and EG were modified by surface coating and through noncovalent and covalent attachment of organic molecules containing alkyl groups. Ribbons of the nanocomposites were extruded to form samples in which the nanofillers were aligned in the direction of flow. Samples were also fabricated by compression molding to yield nanocomposites in which the nanofillers were randomly oriented. Mechanical properties of the aligned samples were determined by tensile testing while the degree of dispersion and alignment of nanoparticles were investigated using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. TC measurements were performed using a laser flash (Nanoflash(TM)) technique. TC of the samples was measured in the direction of, and perpendicular to, the alignment direction. Additionally, tubing was also extruded from select nanocomposite compositions and the TC and mechanical flexibility measured.

Ghose, Sayata↗

Thermal Conductivity of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer/Nanofiller Blends

To reduce weight and increase the mobility, comfort, and performance of future spacesuits, flexible, thermally conductive fabrics and plastic tubes are needed for the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. Such improvements would allow astronauts to operate more efficiently and safely for extended extravehicular activities. As an approach to raise the thermal conductivity (TC) of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Elvax 260), it was compounded with three types of carbon based nanofillers: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), vapor grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and expanded graphite (EG). In addition, other nanofillers including metallized CNFs, nickel nanostrands, boron nitride, and powdered aluminum were also compounded with Elvax 260 in the melt at various loading levels. In an attempt to improve compatibility between Elvax 260 and the nanofillers, MWCNTs and EG were modified by surface coating and through noncovalent and covalent attachment of organic molecules containing alkyl groups. Ribbons of the nanocomposites were extruded to form samples in which the nanofillers were aligned in the direction of flow. Samples were also fabricated by compression molding to yield nanocomposites in which the nanofillers were randomly oriented. Mechanical properties of the aligned samples were determined by tensile testing while the degree of dispersion and alignment of nanoparticles were investigated using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. TC measurements were performed using a laser flash (Nanoflash ) technique. TC of the samples was measured in the direction of, and perpendicular to, the alignment direction. Additionally, tubing was also extruded from select nanocomposite compositions and the TC and mechanical flexibility measured.

Ghose, S.↗

Thermal Conductivity of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer/Carbon Nanofiller Blends

To reduce weight and increase the mobility, comfort, and performance of future spacesuits, flexible, thermally conductive fabrics and plastic tubes are needed for the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment. Such improvements would allow astronauts to operate more efficiently and safely for extended extravehicular activities. As an approach to raise the thermal conductivity (TC) of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Elvax 260), it was compounded with three types of carbon based nanofillers: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), vapor grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and expanded graphite (EG). In addition, other nanofillers including metallized CNFs, nickel nanostrands, boron nitride, and powdered aluminum were also compounded with Elvax 260 in the melt at various loading levels. In an attempt to improve compatibility between Elvax 260 and the nanofillers, MWCNTs and EG were modified by surface coating and through noncovalent and covalent attachment of organic molecules containing alkyl groups. Ribbons of the nanocomposites were extruded to form samples in which the nanofillers were aligned in the direction of flow. Samples were also fabricated by compression molding to yield nanocomposites in which the nanofillers were randomly oriented. Mechanical properties of the aligned samples were determined by tensile testing while the degree of dispersion and alignment of nanoparticles were investigated using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. TC measurements were performed using a laser flash (Nanoflash ) technique. TC of the samples was measured in the direction of, and perpendicular to, the alignment direction. Additionally, tubing was also extruded from select nanocomposite compositions and the TC and mechanical flexibility measured.

Ghose, S.↗