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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 829 records · Page 46

High performance metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells with infiltrated electrodes

High power density is required to commercialize solid oxide fuel cells for vehicular applications. High performance of metal supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFCs) is achieved via catalyst composition, electrode structure, and processing optimization. The full cell configuration consists of a dense ceramic electrolyte and porous ceramic backbones (electrodes) sandwiched between porous stainless steel metal supports. The conventional YSZ electrolyte and backbones are replaced with more conductive and thinner 10Sc1CeSZ ceramics. MS-SOFCs are co-sintered in a single step and subsequently infiltrated with nanocatalysts. Five categories of cathode catalysts are screened in full cells, including: perovskites, nickelates, praseodymium oxide, binary layered composites, and ternary layered composites. Various anode compositions are also tested. The conventional LSM cathode catalyst is replaced with more active Pr 6 O 11 and the Ni content of the SDC-Ni anode is increased. The resulting cells achieve a peak power of 1.56, 2.0, and 2.85 W cm -2 at 700, 750, and 800 °C, respectively, with 3%H 2 O/H 2 as fuel and cathode exposed to air. Multiple cells show reproducible performance (P max = 1.50 ± 0.06 W cm -2 ) and OCV (1.10 ± 0.02 V). Finally, the performance is further increased with cathode exposed to pure oxygen (2.0 W cm -2 at 700 °C).

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Temperature-dependence of structural and mechanical properties of TiB{sub 2}: A first principle investigation

High temperature mechanical and thermodynamic properties of TiB{sub 2} are important to its applications as ultrahigh temperature ceramic, which were not well understood. In this study, the thermodynamic and mechanical properties of TiB{sub 2} were investigated by the combination of first principle and phonon dispersion calculations. The thermal expansion of TiB{sub 2} was anisotropic, α{sub c}/α{sub a} is nearly constant (1.46) from 300 K to 1500 K, theoretically. The origination of this anisotropy is the anisotropic compressibility. The heat capacity at constant pressure was estimated from the theoretical entropy and fitted the experimental result quite well when higher-order anharmonic effects were considered. Theoretical isentropic elastic constants and mechanical properties were calculated and their temperature dependence agreed with the existed experiments. From room temperature to 1500 K, the theoretical slope is −0.0211 GPa·K{sup −1}, −0.0155 GPa·K{sup −1}, and −0.0384 GPa·K{sup −1} for B, G, and E, respectively. Our theoretical results highlight the suitability of this method in predicting temperature dependent properties of ultrahigh temperature ceramics and show ability in selecting and designing of novel ultrahigh temperature ceramics.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Applications of analytical electron microscopy to guide the design of boron carbide

Compositional analysis of boron carbide on nanometer length scales to examine or interpret atomic mechanisms, for example, solid-state amorphization or grain-boundary segregation, is challenging. This work reviews advancements in high-resolution microanalysis to characterize multiple generations of boron carbide. First, ζ-factor microanalysis will be introduced as a powerful (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) analytical framework to accurately characterize boron carbide. Three case studies involving the application of ζ-factor microanalysis will then be presented: (1) accurate stoichiometry determination of B-doped boron carbide using ζ-factor microanalysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy, (2) normalized quantification of silicon grain-boundary segregation in Si-doped boron carbide, and (3) calibration of a scanning electron microscope X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) system to measure compositional homogeneity differences of B/Si-doped arc-melted boron carbides in the as-melted and annealed conditions. Overall, the improvement and application of advanced analytical tools have helped better understand processing–microstructure–property relationships and successfully manufacture high-performance ceramics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Boron-containing organosilane polymers and ceramic materials thereof

The present invention relates to organic silicon-boron polymers which upon pyrolysis produce high-temperature ceramic materials. More particularly, it relates to the polyorganoborosilanes containing -Si-B- bonds which generate high-temperature ceramic materials (e.g., SiC, SiB4, B4C) upon thermal degradation. The process for preparing these organic silicon-boron polymer precursors are also part of the invention.

Riccitiello, Salvatore R.↗

A comparison of forming technologies for ceramic gas-turbine engine components

For over ten years, injection molding and slip casting have been actively developed as forming techniques for ceramic gas turbine components. Co-development of these two processes has continued within the U.S. DOE-sponsored Advanced Turbine Technology Application Project (ATTAP). Progress within ATTAP with respect to these two techniques is summarized. A critique and comparison of the two processes are given. Critical aspects of both processes with respect to size, dimensional control, material properties, quality, cost, and potential for manufacturing scale-up are discussed.

Hengst, R. R.↗

Flight-vehicle materials, structures, and dynamics - Assessment and future directions. Vol. 4 - Tribological materials and NDE

The present volume on tribological materials and NDE discusses liquid lubricants for advanced aircraft engines, a liquid lubricant for space applications, solid lubricants for aeronautics, and thin solid-lubricant films in space. Attention is given to the science and technology of NDE, tools for an NDE engineering base, experimental techniques in ultrasonics for NDE and material characterization, and laser ultrasonics. Topics addressed include thermal methods of NDE and quality control, digital radiography in the aerospace industry, materials characterization by ultrasonic methods, and NDE of ceramics and ceramic composites. Also discussed are smart materials and structures, intelligent processing of materials, implementation of NDE technology on flight structures, and solid-state weld evaluation.

Fusaro, Robert L.↗

Development of Processing Techniques for Advanced Thermal Protection Materials

Thermal Protection Materials Branch (TPMB) has been involved in various research programs to improve the properties and structural integrity of the existing aerospace high temperature materials. Specimens from various research programs were brought into the analytical laboratory for the purpose of obtaining and refining the material characterization. The analytical laboratory in TPMB has many different instruments which were utilized to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of materials. Some of the instruments that were utilized by the SJSU students are: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray Diffraction Spectrometer (XRD), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultra Violet Spectroscopy/Visible Spectroscopy (UV/VIS), Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES). The above mentioned analytical instruments were utilized in the material characterization process of the specimens from research programs such as: aerogel ceramics (I) and (II), X-33 Blankets, ARC-Jet specimens, QUICFIX specimens and gas permeability of lightweight ceramic ablators. In addition to analytical instruments in the analytical laboratory at TPMB, there are several on-going experiments. One particular experiment allows the measurement of permeability of ceramic ablators. From these measurements, physical characteristics of the ceramic ablators can be derived.

Selvaduray, Guna↗

Coated Feedstock for Fabrication of Ceramic Parts by CAM-LEM

In laminated object manufacturing of ceramic components, lamination is one of the most important materials issues. Good lamination ensures monolithic component after firing. Otherwise, lamination defects that inevitably will occur in the parts will affect the properties of ceramic components. Adhesive (both liquid and non-liquid) lamination processes were developed for the cut-then-stack (CAM-LEM) procedure. The non-liquid adhesive lamination is discussed in detail.

Liu, Zhien↗

Process to produce silicon carbide fibers using a controlled concentration of boron oxide vapor

A process for producing polycrystalline silicon carbide includes heating an amorphous ceramic fiber that contains silicon and carbon in an environment containing boron oxide vapor. The boron oxide vapor is produced in situ by the reaction of a boron containing material such as boron carbide and an oxidizing agent such as carbon dioxide, and the amount of boron oxide vapor can be controlled by varying the amount and rate of addition of the oxidizing agent.

Barnard, Thomas Duncan↗

Process to produce silicon carbide fibers using a controlled concentration of boron oxide vapor

A process for producing polycrystalline silicon carbide by heating an amorphous ceramic fiber that contains silicon and carbon in an environment containing boron oxide vapor. The boron oxide vapor is produced in situ by the reaction of a boron containing material such as boron carbide and an oxidizing agent such as carbon dioxide, and the amount of boron oxide vapor can be controlled by varying the amount and rate of addition of the oxidizing agent.

Barnard, Thomas Duncan↗

Challenges and New Trends for Piezoelectric Actuators

BiScO3-PbTiO3 ceramics with TC greater than 400 C has been successfully processed. Despite the increase in TC, excess Pb addition increases both the bulk conductivity and the grain boundary contribution to conductivity at elevated temperatures. Conductivity at elevated temperatures, that limits the operating temperature for actuators, has been greatly reduced by excess Bi additions. Excess Bi doping improves poling conditions resulting in enhanced piezoelectric coefficient (d(sub 33) = 408 pC/N).

Sehirlioglu, Alp↗

Developing Materials and Coating Technologies for Mitigation of Lunar Dust Adhesion and Abrasion

In order to support long duration missions on the Moon’s surface, materials resistant to the harsh lunar environment are critically needed. Lunar dust poses a major threat to the durability of components and vehicles due to its fine, jagged morphology and highly abrasive nature, which enables the particles to adhere and embed into surfaces of components and devices potentially leading to premature failure. Consequently, significant effort within NASA aims to develop novel materials and coating technologies to limit lunar dust adhesion and abrasion by exploring a variety of production routes and examining properties of candidate material systems, including ceramic, metallic and polymeric. Manufacturing methods investigated include traditional powder processing, additive manufacturing and surface modification via laser ablation patterning of bulk materials and coatings. An overview of ongoing NASA materials and coating research and development to enable lunar exploration will be presented.

Materials↗

The down-conversion and up-conversion photoluminescence properties of Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}TiO{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Pr{sup 3+} ceramics

Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5−x−y}Yb{sub x}Pr{sub y}TiO{sub 3} (NBT:xYb/yPr) ceramics with different Yb and Pr contents are prepared. Both the down-conversion (DC) and up-conversion (UC) photoluminescence (PL) of the ceramics via 453 and 980 nm excitation, respectively, are investigated. The effect of Yb{sup 3+} and Pr{sup 3+} doping contents on the DC and UC PL is significantly different from each other. Furthermore, the UC PL of the ceramics as a function of temperatures is measured to investigate the UC process in detail. Based on energy level diagram of Pr{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+} ions and the DC and UC PL spectra, the DC and UC PL mechanisms of Pr{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+} ions are discussed. Especially, the UC PL mechanism is clarified, which is different from the previously reported literature. Also, the temperature sensing properties of the ceramics are studied based on the photoluminescence ratio technique, using the thermal coupling energy levels of Pr{sup 3+}.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Phase evolution during reactive flash sintering of Li 6.25 Al 0.25 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 starting from a chemically prepared powder

Here, reactive flash sintering (RFS) of a chemically prepared multiphase precursor powder was performed to fabricate Li 6.25 Al 0.25 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (Al-LLZO) ceramics. This approach allowed for obtaining single-phase dense samples in a remarkably short processing time of 30 s, at a furnace temperature of 600 °C, with an electric field of 50 V cm -1 and a current limit of 150 mA mm -2 . The ceramics display high bulk conductivity of 0.18 mS cm -1 at room temperature. Furthermore, phase evolution is studied by in-situ X-ray diffraction during: i) conventional heating and ii) RFS under current rate mode. As expected, the intermediate phases progressively dissolved into the Al-LLZO matrix by conventional heating. On the other hand, RFS promoted the growth of the intermediate La 2 Zr 2 O 7 , an effect that was overcome by the thermally driven formation of Al-LLZO at higher temperatures. The observed different reaction pathway suggests that RFS can be used for stabilizing phases that are not thermodynamically favored upon conventional heating.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Highly reflective polymeric substrates functionalized utilizing atomic layer deposition

Reflective surfaces are one of the key elements of solar plants to concentrate energy in the receivers of solar thermal electricity plants. Polymeric substrates are being considered as an alternative to the widely used glass mirrors due to their intrinsic and processing advantages, but optimizing both the reflectance and the physical stability of polymeric mirrors still poses technological difficulties. In this work, polymeric surfaces have been functionalized with ceramic thin-films by atomic layer deposition. The characterization and optimization of the parameters involved in the process resulted in surfaces with a reflection index of 97%, turning polymers into a real alternative to glass substrates. The solution we present here can be easily applied in further technological areas where seemingly incompatible combinations of polymeric substrates and ceramic coatings occur.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Novel cost controlled materials and processing for primary structures

Textile laminates, developed a number of years ago, have recently been shown to be applicable to primary aircraft structures for both small and large components. Such structures have the potential to reduce acquisition costs but require advanced automated processing to keep costs controlled while verifying product reliability and assuring structural integrity, durability and affordable life-cycle costs. Recently, resin systems and graphite-reinforced woven shapes have been developed that have the potential for improved RTM processes for aircraft structures. Ciba-Geigy, Brochier Division has registered an RTM prepreg reinforcement called 'Injectex' that has shown effectivity for aircraft components. Other novel approaches discussed are thermotropic resins producing components by injection molding and ceramic polymers for long-duration hot structures. The potential of such materials and processing will be reviewed along with initial information/data available to date.

Dastin, S. J.↗