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At least 811 records · Page 45

A silicone column for GC analysis of polar and nonpolar chemicals

The investigation of the Saturnian System is being proposed jointly by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission is scheduled for a launch in 1996. The mission provides an opportunity for close observation and exploration of Saturn's atmosphere, the complex Saturnian System of satellites and rings, Titan (Saturn's planet-sized moon), and Saturn's magnetosphere. The mission gives special attention to Titan which is blanketed by a thick, opaque atmosphere. An atmospheric probe will be deposited into the Titan Atmosphere for in situ measurement during a slow, three hour descent to the surface. The results from this analysis may provide the information which is important to the research of chemical evolution, and the origin of life. An analytical system was developed as a part of the Titan Aerosol Gas Experiment (TAGEX), a proposed experiment for the Cassini Mission. This system will use two highly sensitive detectors, the Metastable Ionization Detector (MID) and the Ion Mobility Spectrometer (IMS). Unfortunately, when commercial columns are utilized with these highly sensitive detectors, volatile components continuously bleed from the column and interfere with the detector. In addition, light columns must be able to separate polar and nonpolar organic chemicals within 10-15 minutes under isothermal conditions for the Titan Mission. Therefore, a highly crosslinked silicone polymeric packed column was developed which is able to efficiently separate amines, alcohols, and hydrocarbons with retention times less that 15 minutes at 100 C isothermal condition.

Shen, T. C.↗

Squeeze flow and compaction behavior of toughened polyimide matrix composites

The main emphasis was placed upon the squeeze flow and compaction behavior of the Lewis Research Center (LaRC) research project series polyimide matrix composites. The measurement of squeeze film flow behavior was performed by a plastometer which monitors the change of thickness of a prepreg specimen laid between two parallel plates under the specified temperature and pressure history. A critical evaluation of the plastometer data was attempted by examining the morphology of the specimen at various points during the squeeze flow. The effects of crosslinks (Mc) of resin, imidization (B-ataging) condition, and pressure on the squeeze flow behavior were examined. Results are given.

Lee, Byung Lip↗

Semi-interpenetrating polymer network for tougher and more microcracking resistant high temperature polymers

This invention is a semi-interpenetrating polymer network which includes a high performance thermosetting polyimide having a nadic end group acting as a crosslinking site and a high performance linear thermoplastic polyimide. An improved high temperature matrix resin is provided which is capable of performing at 316 C in air for several hundreds of hours. This resin has significantly improved toughness and microcracking resistance, excellent processability and mechanical performance, and cost effectiveness.

Pater, Ruth H.↗

Characterization of polymer films retrieved from LDEF

One of the trays aboard LDEF was an experiment having the objective of assessing the effects of long term exposure of candidate balloon films, tapes, and lines to the hostile environment of space. The fortuitous location of these materials on LDEF minimized direct impact by atomic oxygen thus providing an opportunity to study the effects of low earth orbit environments on polymeric materials without the worry of atomic oxygen abrasion. The resulting chemical, morphological, and thermomechanical changes for polyethylene specimens are reviewed. In addition, preliminary data for fluorinated ethylene/propylene copolymers used for thermal blankets is presented. Polyethylene is observed to crosslink and branch from exposure to atomic oxygen and/or ultraviolet with a decrease in crystallinity.

Letton, Alan↗

Methyl substituted polyimides containing carbonyl and ether connecting groups

Polyimides were prepared from the reaction of aromatic dianhydrides with novel aromatic diamines having carbonyl and ether groups connecting aromatic rings containing pendant methyl groups. The methyl substituent polyimides exhibit good solubility and form tough, strong films. Upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation and/or heat, the methyl substituted polyimides crosslink to become insoluble.

Hergenrother, Paul M.↗

Characterization of and sensor-model verification and control of the properties of PMR-13 during processing

This study presents an in situ sensor and a process-simulation model developed for monitoring and controlling the cure process of PMR-15. The time-temperature dependence of the buildup in the molecular network structure, extent of reaction, viscosity, flow, and consolidation during the cure of PMR-15 are discussed. The relationship of the time-temperature cycle used during imidization to the length of the endcapped chains formed is examined. The relationship of the time-temperature cure-processing cycle to the reaction kinetics, viscosity, flow, and consolidation during crosslinking is analyzed using frequency-dependent electromagnetic sensors and the Loos processing model. Application of the FDEMS sensing technique and the process-simulation model for quality assurance processing and automated on-line control of cure is discussed.

Kranbuehl, D.↗

An anti-reflection coating for use with PMMA at 193 nm

An antireflection coating (ARC) for use with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resist for ArF excimer laser lithography (193 nm) was formulated. It consists of PMMA and a bis-azide, 4.4-prime-diazidodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) which crosslinks the film after deep UV (260 nm) irradiation and subsequent annealing. The reacted DDS then serves as the absorber for the 193 nm radiation and also prevents mixing of the ARC and PMMA during PMMA spin-coating and development. The effectiveness of the ARC was demonstrated by exposing, in PMMA, using achromatic holographic lithography, gratings of 100 nm period (about 50 nm linewidth) that are almost entirely free of an orthogonal standing wave.

Yen, Anthony↗

Viscoelastic properties of addition-cured polyimides used in high temperature polymer matrix composites

The viscoelastic properties of an addition-cured polyimide, PMR-15, were evaluated through dynamic mechanical and stress relaxation testing. Below the glass transition temperature, the dynamic mechanical properties of the composites are strongly affected by the absorbed moisture in the resin. At temperature 20 C and more above the glass transition temperature, the storage modulus increases continuously with time, indicating that additional crosslinking is occurring in the resin. For resin moisture contents less than 2 percent, stress relaxation curves measured at different temperatures can be superimposed using horizontal shifts along the log(time) axis with only small shifts along the vertical axis.

Roberts, Gary D.↗

Polymeric precursors for fibers and matrices

Candidate polymeric precursors for ceramic fiber and matrix processing are discussed, with a view to the advantages and disadvantages of this approach relative to existing alternatives. The properties of ceramic products thus derived are noted to strongly depend on the molecular weight and structure of the starting polymer; in particular, the ceramic's composition and morphology are dependent on the character and extent of crosslinking, as well as on the path of pyrolysis. While large and complex structural ceramic components may ultimately be obtainable by these means, the polymer-precursor method is still in its developmental infancy.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗

A tough high performance composite matrix

This invention is a semi-interpenetrating polymer network which includes a high performance thermosetting polyimide having a nadic end group acting as a crosslinking site and a high performance linear thermoplastic polyimide. An improved high temperature matrix resin is provided which is capable of performing in the 200 to 300 C range. This resin has significantly improved toughness and microcracking resistance, excellent processability, mechanical performance and moisture and solvent resistances.

Pater, Ruth H.↗

Advanced fiber/matrix material systems

Work completed in Phase 1 of the NASA Advanced Composite Technology program is discussed. Two towpreg forms (commingled yarns and fused powder towpregs) are being characterized under the program. These towpregs will be used to evaluate textile fabrication technologies for advanced aircraft composite structures. The unique characteristic of both of these material forms is that both fiber and matrix resin are handled in a single operation such as weaving, braiding, or fiber placement. The evaluation of both commingled and fused powder towpreg is described. Various polymer materials are considered for both subsonic and supersonic applications. Polymers initially being evaluated include thermoplastic polyimides such as Larc-TPI and New-TPI, thermoplastics such as PEEK and PEKEKK as well as some toughened crosslinked polyimides. Preliminary mechanical properties as well as tow handling are evaluated.

Hartness, J. Timothy↗

NASA's flight-technological development program - A 650 Mbps laser communications testbed

A 650 Mbps laser communications testbed under construction for the development of flight qualifiable hardware suitable for near-term operation on geosynchronous-to-geosynchronous crosslink missions is presented. The program's primary purpose is to develop and optimize laser communications unique subsystems. Requirements for the testbed experiments are to optimize the acquisition processes, to fully simulate the long range (up to 21,000 km) and the fine tracking characteristics of two narrow-beam laser communications terminals, and to fully test communications performance which will include average and burst bit error rates, effects of laser diode coalignment, degradation due to internal and external stray light, and the impact of drifts in the optical components.

Hayden, W. L.↗

Benzonorbornadiene end caps for PMR resins

Several ortho-disubstituted benzonorbornadiene derivatives are described. These molecules contain acid, ester, or anhydride functionality permitting their use as end caps in PMR (polymerization of monomer reactants) polyimide systems. The replacement of the currently used norbornenyl end caps with benzonorbornadienyl end caps affords resins of increased aromatic content. It also allows evaluation of some mechanistic aspects of PMR cross-linking. Initial testing of N-phenylimide model compounds and of actual resin formulations using the benzonorbornadienyl end cap reveals that they undergo efficient thermal crosslinking to give oligomers with physical properties and thermal stability comparable to commercial norbornene-end-capped PMR systems.

Panigot, Michael J.↗

Phenylethynyl-Terminated Poly(Arylene Ethers)

Phenylethynyl-terminated poly(arylene ethers) synthesized in wide range of molecular weights by adjusting monomer ratios and adding appropriate amounts of 4-phenylethynyl-4'-fluorobenzophenone to monomers to end-cap oligomers during polymerization. Have low molecular weights and low melt viscosities, and are easily processed as adhesives, composites, and moldings. Thermally cured to provide materials that are crosslinked and insoluble in common organic solvents. Exhibit increased resistance to solvents, greater tensile moduli, and better high-temperature properties. Useful as adhesives, composite matrices, and moldings, especially in applications in which combination of toughness and resistance to solvents needed.

Jensen, Brian J.↗

Ethynyl-terminated ester oligomers and polymers therefrom

A class of ethynyl terminated oligomers and the process for preparing the same are disclosed. Upon the application of heat, with or without a catalyst, the ethynyl groups react to provide crosslinking and chain extension to increase the polymer use temperature and improve the polymer solvent resistance. These polyesters are potentially useful in packaging, magnetic tapes, capacitors, industrial belting, protective coatings, structural adhesives and composite matrices.

Hergenrother, Paul M.↗

Phenylethynl-terminated poly(arylene ethers)

Phenylethynyl-terminated poly(arylene ethers) are prepared in a wide range of molecular weights by adjusting monomer ratio and adding an appropriate amount of 4-fluoro- 4'-phenylethynyl benzophenone during polymer synthesis. The resulting phenylethynyl-terminated poly(arylene ethers) react and crosslink upon curing for one hour at 350 C to provide materials with improved solvent resistance, higher modulus, and better high temperature properties than the linear, uncrosslinked polymers.

Jensen, Brian J.↗

Rotary blood pump

A rotary blood pump is presented. The pump includes a pump housing for receiving a flow straightener, a rotor mounted on rotor bearings and having an inducer portion and an impeller portion, and a diffuser. The entrance angle, outlet angle, axial, and radial clearances of the blades associated with the flow straightener, inducer portion, impeller portion, and diffuser are optimized to minimize hemolysis while maintaining pump efficiency. The rotor bearing includes a bearing chamber that is filled with crosslinked blood or other bio-compatible material. A back emf integrated circuit regulates rotor operation and a microcomputer may be used to control one or more back emf integrated circuits. A plurality of magnets are disposed in each of a plurality of impeller blades with a small air gap. A stator may be axially adjusted on the pump housing to absorb bearing load and maximize pump efficiency.

Bozeman, Richard J.↗

Phenylethynyl endcapping reagents and reactive diluents

A phenylethynyl composition which can be used to endcap nucleophilic species is employed in the production of phenylethynyl terminated reactive oligomers exclusively. These phenylethynyl terminated reactive oligomers display unique thermal characteristics, as exemplified by the model compound, 4-phenoxy 4'-phenylethynylbenzophenone, which is relatively stable at 200 C, but reacts at 350 C. In addition, a reactive diluent was prepared which decreases the melt viscosity of the phenylethynyl terminated oligomers and subsequently reacts therewith to increase density of the resulting thermoset. The novelty of this invention resides in the phenylethynyl composition used to terminate a nucleophilic reagent, resulting in the exclusive production of phenylethynyl terminated reactive oligomers which display unique thermal characteristics. A reactive diluent was also employed to decrease the melt viscosity of a phenylethynyl terminated reactive oligomer and to subsequently react therewith to increase the crosslink density of the resulting thermoset. These materials have features which make them attractive candidates for use as composite matrices and adhesives.

Jensen, Brian J.↗