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At least 109 records · Page 6

Nanomaterials in Biotechnology

The past decade has seen an explosive growth worldwide in the synthesis and study of a wide range of nanostructured materials. A brief overview of this field, and its relationship to nanotechnology in general, will be presented with respect to possible applications in biotechnology. Results from our recent investigations of a variety of nanocomposites and cellular interactions with nanoscale ceramics will be presented in viewgraph form, along with some considerations of novel future directions.

Richard W. Siegel↗

Robust UHTC for Sharp Leading Edge Applications

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTCs. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTCs for the past year via a small task at GRC that is part of the 3rd Gen TPS effort. Our focus is on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The approaches and progress will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

UHTC for Sharp Leading Edges

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTCs. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTCs for the past year via a small task at GRC that is part of the 3rd Gen TPS effort. Our focus is on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The approaches and progress will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

Ultra-high Temperature Ceramic Composites for Leading Edges

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC) have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTC. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHT applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTC for the past two years via a small task at GRC that is in the Airframe part of the Next Generation Launch Technology Program. Our focus is on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The progress on approaches to improving oxidation resistance by alloying and functional grading will be reported. In particular, initial tests of tantalum additions have shown potential for major improvement. Less promising results of additional tests at higher temperatures will be presented. Two fabrication approaches are being pursued to produce carbon fiber reinforced UHTC composites: prepregging and rigid perform infiltration. Fabrication procedures and microstructures for composites will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Composites for Leading Edges

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC) have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTC. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTC for the past two years via a small task at GRC that is in the Airframe part of the Next Generation Launch Technology Program. Our focus is on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The progress on approaches to improving oxidation resistance by alloying and functional grading will be reported. In particular, initial tests of tantalum additions have shown potential for major improvement. Results for additional tests at higher temperatures will be presented. These oxidation improvements are being incorporated in the composites approaches. Two fabrication approaches are being persued to produce carbon fiber reinforced UHTC composites: prepregging and rigid perform infiltration. Fabrication procedures, microstructures, and initial mechanical property and oxidation results for composites will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

Ultra-high Temperature Ceramic Composites for Leading Edges, 2004

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics (UHTC) have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of the UHTC. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTC for the past two years via a small task at GRC that is in the Airframe part of the Next Generation Launch Technology Program. Our focus is on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The progress on approaches to improving oxidation resistance by alloying and functional grading will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

Direct Ink-Write Printing of Ceramic Clay with an Embedded Wireless Temperature and Relative Humidity Sensor

This research presents a simple method to additively manufacture Cone 5 porcelain clay ceramics by using the direct ink-write (DIW) printing technique. DIW has allowed the application of extruding highly viscous ceramic materials with relatively high-quality and good mechanical properties, which additionally allows a freedom of design and the capability of manufacturing complex geometrical shapes. Clay particles were mixed with deionized (DI) water at different ratios, where the most suitable composition for 3D printing was observed at a 1:5 w/c ratio (16.2 wt.%. of DI water). Differential geometrical designs were printed to demonstrate the printing capabilities of the paste. In addition, a clay structure was fabricated with an embedded wireless temperature and relative humidity (RH) sensor during the 3D printing process. The embedded sensor read up to 65% RH and temperatures of up to 85 °F from a maximum distance of 141.7 m. The structural integrity of the selected 3D printed geometries was confirmed through the compressive strength of fired and non-fired clay samples, with strengths of 70 MPa and 90 MPa, respectively. This research demonstrates the feasibility of using the DIW printing of porcelain clay with embedded sensors, with fully functional temperature- and humidity-sensing capabilities.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Stacked-Die SiC Half-Bridge Module with Minimum Loop Inductance

Minimizing parasitic inductance of power modules is needed to advance their electrical performance. Innovation in the past decade has driven down the inductance of SiC half-bridge power modules to around 1–2 nH by using multilayer, embedded, and hybrid structures. Further reduction becomes difficult, mainly limited by the excessive interconnects required for the planar placement of vertical conducting chips. To address this, a vertically stacked-die approach is proposed in this paper, taking advantage of the vertical conducting nature of the SiC chips. With ceramic decoupling capacitors integrated, 0.48 nH overall loop inductance is achieved and validated by experimental measurement. This paper also discusses potential approaches to further reduce the inductance.

Ribeiro, Pedro↗

Method of preparing fiber reinforced ceramic material

Alternate layers of mats of specially coated SiC fibers and silicon monotapes are hot pressed in two stages to form a fiber reinforced ceramic material. In the first stage a die is heated to about 600 C in a vacuum furnace and maintained at this temperature for about one-half hour to remove fugitive binder. In the second stage the die temperature is raised to about 1000 C and the layers are pressed at between 35 and 138 MPa. The resulting preform is placed in a reactor tube where a nitriding gas is flowed past the preform at 1100 to 1400 C to nitride the same.

Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.↗

Physical and Mechano-Electrochemical Phenomena of Thin Film Lithium-Ceramic Electrolyte Constructs

While a small number of solid electrolytes exhibit high ionic conductivity (~1mS cm at 298K), few are stable against Li metal. The garnet-type solid electrolyte, based on the nominal formula Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO), is unique in that it is a fast ion conductor and – as we demonstrated in our recent project (DE-EE-00006821) – is stable against Li. Moreover, our former project successfully demonstrated a decrease in Li-LLZO interface resistance from 12,000 to 2 Ohms cm 2 and stable cycling at 1 mA cm 2 for 100 cycles (+/- 15 µm Li per cycle). Although the past project (DE-EE-00006821) demonstrated LLZO is a viable solid electrolyte for enabling batteries using metallic Li, the studies used thick pellets (1mm) and thick anodes (~500 µm). We believe that to achieve a step increase in technology readiness level (TRL), the same performance characteristics previously shown should be demonstrated in technologically relevant cells, e.g. thin LLZO and thin Li. The goal of this project is to acquire a deep fundamental understanding of the physical and mechano-electrochemical phenomena that control the performance of cells consisting of thin LLZO (~10 µm), thin Li anodes (~20 µm) and thin solid-state composite cathodes. If successful, the knowledge gained in this project will guide closely related commercialization efforts to scale the production of LLZO-based solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Molten salt corrosion of SiC and Si3N4

Industrial systems such as heat engines and heat exchangers involve harsh environments. The structural materials are subjected to high temperatures as well as corrosive gases and condensed phases. Past experience with metal alloys has shown that these condensed phases can be particularly corrosive and are often the limiting factor in the operation of these systems. In a heat engine the most common condensed corrodent is Na2SO4 whereas in a heat exchanger an oxide slag may be present. The primary emphasis is on Na2SO4 induced corrosion, however, similarities and differences to oxide slag are also discussed. The extensive research on corrosion of metal alloys has led to understanding and controlling corrosion for these materials. Currently silicon based ceramics are prime candidates for the applications discussed. Therefore it is important to understand the effects of condensed phase deposits on this emerging class of high temperature materials. Both the thermodynamic and strength of the ceramic is also examined. Finally some control strategies for corrosion of silicon based ceramics are explored.

Jacobson, Nathan S.↗

High Performance Circuit Pastes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications: Final Technical Report

Using a combination of in-plane electrical conductivity measurements, electrical contact resistance measurements, tensile fracture tests, double shear lap fracture tests, rapid thermal cycling adhesion tests, in situ wetting angle measurements, 3D X-ray tomography, reduction-oxidation (RedOx) cycling, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDAX), Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling, Molecular Dynamics (MD) modeling, and Phase Field modeling, this project determined that a new brazing technique developed by the PIs (specifically the use of nickel particles to direct the wetting and spreading of molten silver) could be used to produce well-adhered, >97% dense, electrically-conductive circuits, current collectors, and/or electrical contacts on a variety of ceramic and ceramic-coated substrates (specifically lanthanum strontium manganite, yttria stabilized zirconia, sapphire, Cr2O3-passivated stainless steel, and Al2O3-passivated stainless steel). Compared to other silver-based alternatives, Ag:Ni led to less manufacturing defects and was more tolerant of the extreme environments (isothermal high-temperature aging) and occasional abuse (rapid thermal cycling and RedOx cycling) encountered during Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and/or Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell operation. Further, in some situations (such as when to produce Ag:Ni electrical contacts to Al2O3-protected stainless steel) the Ni particles also improved operation by acting as chemical getters that removed electrically-insulating, surface-segregating substrate impurities (i.e. by lowering the contact resistance with the underlying substrate).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Importance of Measuring SiC Fiber Diameter Prior to Conducting Fiber Stress Rupture / Creep Tests?

A very significant amount of SiC fiber creep / stress rupture data has been generated and reported in the past by various researchers. Due to the difficulty of measuring fiber diameter and the amount of time required to make accurate measurements, researchers have quite often used an accepted average diameter value (which is fiber type-dependent) when determining the load that will be applied to a fiber to generate a specific stress during testing. Of course, this approach has less of an effect on data scatter when the individual fibers in a tow have very similar diameters (minimal fiber-to-fiber variation in diameter). NASA GRC has begun using a laser fiber diameter measurement system, and we are considering eventually characterizing each SiC fiber prior to testing in creep/stressed oxidation. The laser system will be described in this presentation, as well as examples of fiber diameter data obtained in the past at AFRL. We are currently discussing the merits of using an average diameter in testing/data analysis vs. using a measured or "known" diameter. Information about our current intermediate temperature SiC fiber stress rupture testing will also be provided.

ceramic matrix composites↗

Flame Retardant Fibers for Human Space Exploration - Past, Present, and Future

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has led in the development of unique flame retardant fibers for human spaceflight since the beginning of the Apollo program. After the Apollo 1 fire which killed Command Pilot Virgil I 'Gus' Grissom, Senior Pilot Edward H. White II, and Pilot Roger B. Chaffee from cardiac arrest on January 27, 1967, the accident investigators found severe third degree burns and melted spacesuits on the astronauts bodies. NASA immediately initiated an extensive research program aimed at developing flame retardant and flame resistant fibers for the enriched oxygen atmosphere of the Apollo crew cabin. Fibers are flame retardant when they have been modified by chemical and thermal treatments. Fibers are flame resistant when they are made of inherently flame resistant materials (i.e. glass, ceramic, highly aromatic polymers). Immediately after this tragic accident, NASA funded extensive research in specifically developing flame retardant fibers and fabrics. The early developmental efforts for human spaceflight were for the outer layer of the Apollo spacesuit. It was imperative that non-flammable fabrics be used in a 100% oxygen environment. Owens-Corning thus developed the Beta fiber that was immediately used in the Apollo program and later in the Space Shuttle program. Aside from the urgent need for protective fabrics for the spacesuit, NASA also needed flame retardant fabrics for both clothing and equipment inside the spacecraft. From the mid-1960s to the early 1980's, NASA contracted with many companies to develop inherently flame retardant fibers and flame retardant finishes for existing fibers. Fluorocarbons and aromatic polyamides were the polymers of great interest for the development of new inherently flame retardant fibers for enriched oxygen environments. These enriched environments varied for different space programs. For example, the Apollo program requirements were for materials that would not support combustion in a 70%/30% oxygen/nitrogen environment at 6.3 pounds per square inch (psi). The Skylab program flammability requirements were set at 80%/20% oxygen/nitrogen ratios at 5 psi. While many fibers produced under several NASA contracts were never used, a few have become commercial products. The intent of this paper is to present the developmental history of some of these new or modified textile fibers. These developmental efforts are presented at various levels of details depending on the source of the historical records.

Orndoff, Evelyne↗

Fracture mechanics concepts in reliability analysis of monolithic ceramics

Basic design concepts for high-performance, monolithic ceramic structural components are addressed. The design of brittle ceramics differs from that of ductile metals because of the inability of ceramic materials to redistribute high local stresses caused by inherent flaws. Random flaw size and orientation requires that a probabilistic analysis be performed in order to determine component reliability. The current trend in probabilistic analysis is to combine linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts with the two parameter Weibull distribution function to predict component reliability under multiaxial stress states. Nondestructive evaluation supports this analytical effort by supplying data during verification testing. It can also help to determine statistical parameters which describe the material strength variation, in particular the material threshold strength (the third Weibull parameter), which in the past was often taken as zero for simplicity.

Manderscheid, Jane M.↗

C/sic Life Prediction for Propulsion Applications

Accurate life prediction is critical to successful use of ceramic matrix composites (CMC). The tools to accomplish this are immature and not oriented toward the behavior of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC), the primary system of interest for many reusable and single mission launch vehicle propulsion and airframe applications. This paper describes an approach and process made to satisfy the need to develop an integrated life prediction system that addresses mechanical durability and environmental degradation of C/SiC. Issues such as oxidation, steam and hydrogen effects on material behavior are discussed. Preliminary tests indicate that steam will aggressively remove SiC seal coat and matrix in line with past experience. The kinetics of water vapor reaction with carbon fibers is negligible at 600 C, but comparable to air attack at 1200 C. The mitigating effect of steam observed in fiber oxidation studies has also been observed in stress rupture tests. Detailed microscopy of oxidized specimens is being carried out to develop the oxidation model. Carbon oxidation kinetics are reaction controlled at intermediate temperatures and diffusion controlled at high temperatures (approximately 1000 C). Activation energies for T-300 and interface pyrolytic carbon were determined as key inputs to the oxidation model. Crack opening as a function of temperature and stress was calculated. Mechanical property tests to develop and verify the probabilistic life model are very encouraging except for residual strength prediction. Gage width is a key variable governing edge oxidation of seal coated specimens. Future efforts will include architectural effects, enhanced coatings, biaxial tests, and LCF. Modeling will need to account for combined effects.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

C/SIC Life Prediction for Propulsion Applications

Accurate life prediction is critical to successful use of ceramic matrix composites (CMC). The tools to accomplish this are immature and not oriented toward the behavior of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC), the primary system of interest for many reusable and single mission launch vehicle propulsion and airframe applications. This paper describes an approach and progress made to satisfy the need to develop an integrated life prediction system that addresses mechanical durability and environmental degradation of C/SiC. Issues such as oxidation, steam and hydrogen effects on material behavior are discussed. Preliminary tests indicate that stream will aggressively remove SiC seal coat and matrix in line with past experience. The kinetics of water vapor reaction with carbon fibers is negligible at 600 C, but comparable to air attack at 1200 C. The mitigating effect of steam observed in fiber oxidation studies has also been observed in stress rupture tests. Detailed microscopy of oxidized specimens is being carried out to develop the oxidation model. Carbon oxidation kinetics are reaction controlled at intermediate temperatures and diffusion controlled at high temperatures (approx. 1000 C). Activation energies for T-300 and interface pyrolytic carbon were determined as key inputs to the oxidation model. Crack opening as a function of temperature and stress was calculated. Mechanical property tests to develop and verify the probabilistic life model are very encouraging except for residual strength prediction. Gage width is a key variable governing edge oxidation of seal coated specimens. Future efforts will include architectural effects, enhanced coatings, biaxial tests, and LCF. Modeling will need to account for combined effects.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

B‐Staging and Crosslinking of Polycarbosilane at Room Temperature: Cure Mechanism and Properties

The viscosity of polycarbosilane (PCS) polymers is not advantageous for free forming. Various fillers and heat are used to obtain a formable paste. Due to the low yield stress, structures and preforms tend to slump or resin will flow out, especially during the curing of the polymer. B-staging of PCS allows for a more stable structure from room temperature until the full cure of the allyl groups occurs with heat. Additionally, hydrosilation is an effective means of crosslinking at room temperature and controlling viscosity. A network structure was formed in SMP-10 using silane and a vinyl-based crosslinker to bridge each polymer chain. Pt addition catalysts were added to enhance the increase in viscosity to make a lightly crosslinked gel to aid in thickening and forming and to improve the ceramic yield at 1000°C. In conclusion, this enables several options for controlling rheology and improving the properties of preceramic polymers to avoid slumping during curing.

inorganic polymers↗