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At least 1,567 records · Page 87

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DOE OSTI2021

MXene Reinforced Thermosetting Composite for Lightning Strike Protection of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Ti 3 C 2 – a member of the MXenes (2D transition metal carbides and nitrides) family, is investigated as an effective filler to improve the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of divinylbenzene (DVB) thermosetting resin. Consequently, its performance as a lightning strike protection (LSP) coating for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is evaluated. Polyaniline (PANI) – dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) complex is used to cure the DVB resin. The synergic effect of MXenes (with surface that is negatively charged) with polyaniline (positive charge) shows electrostatic bonding and improved electrical conductivity in the composite. We also find that the addition of MXenes at 2 wt% into the PANI-DVB composite shows ≈139%, 10%, and 9% improvement in electrical conductivity, flexural strength, and flexural modulus, respectively, compared to the neat PANI-DVB composite. The composites are investigated using various material characterization techniques including Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, MXenes-DVB is utilized to create a conductive thermosetting coating on top of a CFRP substrate and tested against a lightning strike of 100 kA. CFRP with MXenes-DVB coating reduced the surface damage from 40.61 cm 2 (reference CFRP panel) to 13.29 cm 2 (CFRP coated with MXenes-DVB).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Electrolyte–Electrocatalyst Interfacial Effects of Polymeric Materials for Tandem CO 2 Capture and Conversion Elucidated Using In Situ Electrochemical AFM

Integrating CO 2 capture and electrochemical conversion has been proposed as a strategy to reduce the net energy required for CO 2 regeneration in traditional CO 2 capture and conversion schemes and can be coupled with carbon-free renewable electricity. Polyethylenimine (PEI)-based materials have been previously studied as CO 2 capture materials and can be integrated in these reactive capture processes. PEI-based electrolytes have been found to significantly increase the CO 2 loading, and impact selectivity and rate of product formation when compared to the conventional aqueous electrolytes. However, the influence of these materials at the catalyst–electrode interface is currently not well understood. In this study, PEI-based electrolytes were prepared and their impact on the morphology of a silver electrode performing electrochemical CO 2 reduction (CO 2 R) was studied using in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM). The presence of PEI on the electrode surface could be distinguished based on nanomechanical properties (DMT modulus), and changes were observed as negative polarization was applied, revealing a reorganization of the PEI chains due to electrostatic interactions. These changes were impacted by the electrolyte composition, including the addition of supporting electrolyte KHCO 3 salt, as well as CO 2 captured by the PEI-based electrolyte, which minimized the change in surface mechanical properties and degree of PEI alignment on the electrode surface. The changes in surface mechanical properties were also dependent on the PEI polymer length, with higher molecular weight PEI showing different reconfiguration than the shorter polymer brushes. The study highlights that the choice of polymer material, the electrolyte composition, and CO 2 captured impact the nearelectrode environment, which has implications for CO 2 R, and presents EC-AFM as a new tool that can be used to probe the dynamic behavior of these interfaces during electrocatalysis.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1992

Designing for time-dependent material response in spacecraft structures

To study the influence on overall deformations of the time-dependent constitutive properties of fiber-reinforced polymeric matrix composite materials being considered for use in orbiting precision segmented reflectors, simple sandwich beam models are developed. The beam models include layers representing the face sheets, the core, and the adhesive bonding of the face sheets to the core. A three-layer model lumps the adhesive layers with the face sheets or core, while a five-layer model considers the adhesive layers explicitly. The deformation response of the three-layer and five-layer sandwich beam models to a midspan point load is studied. This elementary loading leads to a simple analysis, and it is easy to create this loading in the laboratory. Using the correspondence principle of viscoelasticity, the models representing the elastic behavior of the two beams are transformed into time-dependent models. Representative cases of time-dependent material behavior for the facesheet material, the core material, and the adhesive are used to evaluate the influence of these constituents being time-dependent on the deformations of the beam. As an example of the results presented, if it assumed that, as a worst case, the polymer-dominated shear properties of the core behave as a Maxwell fluid such that under constant shear stress the shear strain increases by a factor of 10 in 20 years, then it is shown that the beam deflection increases by a factor of 1.4 during that time. In addition to quantitative conclusions, several assumptions are discussed which simplify the analyses for use with more complicated material models. Finally, it is shown that the simpler three-layer model suffices in many situations.

Hyer, M. W.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Nanotube Film Electrode and an Electroactive Device Fabricated with the Nanotube Film Electrode and Methods for Making Same

Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices.

Kang, Jin Ho↗

NASA NTRS2018

Methods for Making an Electroactive Device Fabricated with a Nanotube Film Electrode

Kang, Jin Ho↗

NASA NTRS2020

Mitigation of Silver Ion Loss from Solution by Polymer Coating of Metal Surfaces, Part II

“Spacecraft potable water systems require a biocidal agent that effectively provides both immediate and residual disinfection over long periods of time. Ionic silver (Ag+) is a leading candidate for this application, but suffers from rapid concentration loss due to interactions with the metal storage containers and tubing. In order to maintain biocidal efficacy in systems with long periods of dormancy and to reduce the required rate of Ag+ injection, it is necessary to develop alternative materials and coatings for certified metal alloys that significantly reduce the Ag+loss.”1In this work, we continue our investigation of vapor-deposited parylene (AF4, and now C) polymers as conformal barrier coatings under long-term (ca. 1-year) immersion in ca. 400 ppb Ag+. The performanceof internal coatings in tubing/two-ferrule fitting systems is characterized. We report successful “aging” and high concentration Ag+pretreatment of parylene coatings for quantitative reduction of Ag+loss rates. In addition, we observe long-term blister-free adhesion of mechanically anchored parylene-AF4 on nano-structured Ti-6Al-4V alloy and chemically bonded parylene-C on 316L stainless steel. Finally, we report preliminary experiments with mechanical and chemical anchoring of laboratory-deposited parylene-C on 316L.

Silver↗

DOE OSTI2024

Thixotropic polysiloxane pastes for additive manufacturing

Shelf-stable, rapid crosslinking, “all-in-one” pastes useful as “inks” in additive manufacturing are provided. These pastes exhibit desirable rheological flow properties and crosslinking upon exposure to UV light. The pastes are based on vinylsilyl-functionalized, completely amorphous, linear terpolysiloxanes containing predominantly dimethylsiloxy- repeat units with small amounts of diphenylsiloxy-, methylphenylsiloxy-, diethylsiloxy-, and/or methyltrifluoroalkylsiloxy- crystallization disruptors. The base polymers are preferably compounded with a trimethylsilylated-hydrophobic silica filler, thixotropic flow agent, hydrosilyl-functionalized oligomeric crosslinker, and a catalytic system comprising platinum (II) acetylacetonate or trimethyl(methylcyclopentadienyl)-platinum (IV), and diethyl azodicarboxylate.

Messman, Jamie Michael↗

DOE OSTI2024

Analyses of circular solutions for advanced plastics waste recycling

A circular plastics economy can leverage the lightweight, strong and durable characteristics of macromolecular materials, while simultaneously reducing the negative environmental impacts associated with polymer waste. Advanced recycling technologies provide an opportunity to valorize plastics waste and extend the lifespan of these materials by converting waste into new monomers, polymers or specialty chemicals. Although many advanced technologies appear promising, assessments of economic and environmental sustainability are often not conducted in a standardized fashion and neglect factors such as plastics waste transportation, sorting and pretreatment. These shortcomings can lead to inaccurate or misleading predictions, reduce opportunities for optimization and limit industrial relevance. In this Review, we highlight select industrial case studies to underscore the notable consequences of underestimating the complexity of real-life consumer plastics waste. In addition, the current challenges associated with the assessment of the industrial viability of laboratory-scale processes are explored. Here, by discussing relevant analysis frameworks and system boundaries, along with potential analytical pitfalls, future research will be guided beyond chemical considerations and toward impactful circular solutions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2024

Additive manufacturing of hierarchical three- dimensional micro-architected aerogels

Disclosed here is a method for making a three-dimensional micro-architected aerogel, comprising: (a) curing a reaction mixture comprising a co-sol-gel material (e.g., graphene oxide (GO)) and at least one catalyst to obtain a crosslinked co-sol-gel (e.g., GO hydrogel); (b) providing a photoresin comprising a solvent, a photoinitiator, a crosslinkable polymer precursor, and a dispersion of the crosslinked co-sol-gel (e.g., GO hydrogel); (c) curing the photoresin using projection microstereolithography layer-by-layer to produce a wet gel having a pre-designed three-dimensional structure; (d) drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel; and (e) pyrolyzing the dry gel to produce a three-dimensional micro-architected aerogel (e.g., graphene aerogel). Also disclosed is a photoresin for projection microstereolithography, comprising a solvent, a photoinitiator, a crosslinkable polymer precursor, and a dispersion of a crosslinked co-sol-gel.

Worsley, Marcus A.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Combined light- and heat-induced shape memory behavior of anthracene-based epoxy elastomers

Abstract The development of multi-stimuli-responsive shape memory polymers has received increasing attention because of its scientific and technological significance. In this work, epoxy elastomers with reversible crosslinks are synthesized by polymerizing an anthracene-functionalized epoxy monomer, a diepoxy comonomer, and a dicarboxylic acid curing agent. The synthesized elastomers exhibit active responses to both light and heat enabled by the incorporated anthracene groups. When exposed to 365 nm UV light, additional crosslinking points are created by the photo-induced dimerization of pendant anthracene groups. The formation of the crosslinking points increases modulus and glass transition temperature of the elastomers, allowing for the fixation of a temporary shape at room temperature. The temporary shape remains stable until an external heat stimulus is applied to trigger the scission of the dimerized anthracene, which reduces the modulus and glass transition temperature and allows the elastomers to recover their original shapes. The effects of external stimuli on the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the elastomers are investigated experimentally and are correlated with molecular dynamics simulations that reveal the changes of structure and dynamics of the anthracene molecules and flexible chains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Sandwich-structured paper composite with water and oil resistance for food packaging and tableware applications

The growing environmental challenges posed by plastic waste from disposable tableware highlight the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Traditional plastics decompose over centuries, generating microplastics that threaten ecosystems and human health. While lignin has emerged as a promising material for plastic replacement, its inherent dark brown color and processing challenges in paper-based products have limited its application, particularly in food-contact materials. Here, to address these limitations, we have developed biodegradable sandwich-structured paper composites comprising parchment paper as surface layers and a lignin-polymer core with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polylactic acid (PLA). This innovative structure eliminates the need for binders, minimizing potential food contamination, and enables direct application as packaging or molded tableware. Lignin micro- and nano-particles (LMNP) enhances durability and provides natural water and oil resistance without harmful additives, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), while PVA and PLA improve the composite's tenacity. The resulting material, composed of 65 wt% lignin, demonstrates excellent water and oil resistance, with no penetration exceeding 1 h, and exhibits enhanced tensile strength (45 MPa), making it a viable and eco-friendly alternative for disposable tableware.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Review—Electrospun Inorganic Solid-State Electrolyte Fibers for Battery Applications

Inorganic solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), especially Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO), are promising candidates for all solid-state batteries. Generally, SSEs are synthesized by solid-state reactions at high temperatures. The high temperature required to synthesize useful polymorphs (e.g., cubic phase, in the case of LLZO) increases their production cost. To lower the synthesis temperature, several approaches, including doping and crystallite size control via sol-gel processes, have been explored. Recently, electrospinning was used to synthesize the inorganic SSE fibers to control the crystallite size and lower the calcination temperature. Several publications followed that investigated the properties of fibers and demonstrated the use of these fibers in inorganic-polymer composite SSEs. This paper presents a concise discussion of electrospinning, the parameters that control fiber morphology, the synthesis of inorganic SSE fibers, the effect of sintering conditions on the fiber morphology and composition, and the recent use of these fibers in making composite SSEs and other battery applications. Additionally, most of the discussion focuses on LLZO, but this paper also discusses applications of other types of electrospun inorganic electrolyte fibers, the challenges of using these fibers, and possible future directions in this research field.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

NASA NTRS1994

Easily Processable High-Temperature Polyimide

Polymerization without volatile gases leads to high-quality resins. N-CYCAP (amiNe substituted CYClophane Addition Polyimide) is thermoset polyimide developed containing 4-amino{2.2}paracyclophane as end cap. Current improvements in synthesis of end cap include increasing yield to 60 percent overall and decreasing manufacturing time by simplifying synthetic procedure. Enables large-scale production and increases viability of cyclophane end caps for polymers for high-temperature applications. In comparison with neat resin moldings and composite matrix resins made of PMR-II-50, those made of N-CYCAP polymers found to be processable with lower void content and higher thermo-oxidative stability.

Sutter, James K.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Durable Suit Bladder with Improved Water Permeability for Pressure and Environment Suits

Water vapor permeability is shown to be useful in rejecting heat and managing moisture accumulation in launch-and-entry pressure suits. Currently this is accomplished through a porous Gortex layer in the Advanced Crew and Escape Suit (ACES) and in the baseline design of the Constellation Suit System Element (CSSE) Suit 1. Non-porous dense monolithic membranes (DMM) that are available offer potential improvements for water vapor permeability with reduced gas leak. Accordingly, three different pressure bladder materials were investigated for water vapor permeability and oxygen leak: ElasthaneTM 80A (thermoplastic polyether urethane) provided from stock polymer material and two custom thermoplastic polyether urethanes. Water vapor, carbon dioxide and oxygen permeability of the DMM's was measured in a 0.13 mm thick stand-alone layer, a 0.08 mm and 0.05 mm thick layer each bonded to two different nylon and polyester woven reinforcing materials. Additional water vapor permeability and mechanical compression measurements were made with the reinforced 0.05 mm thick layers, further bonded with a polyester wicking and overlaid with moistened polyester fleece thermal underwear .This simulated the pressure from a supine crew person. The 0.05 mm thick nylon reinforced sample with polyester wicking layer was further mechanically tested for wear and abrasion. Concepts for incorporating these materials in launch/entry and Extravehicular Activity pressure suits are presented.

Bue, Grant C.↗

DOE OSTI2024

Predicting the tensile and compressive modulus of electrospun fiber mat‐reinforced hydrogels using the Halpin–Tsai equations

Abstract The reinforcement of mechanically‐weak hydrogels to yield composites with increased stiffness, strength, or toughness is a well‐established approach. In particular, introducing electrospun nanofibers into hydrogels is a common strategy for biomedical applications, as the resulting hierarchical structure mimics biology and allows for control over fiber diameter and alignment and tuning of mechanical properties. However, further study of the link between the constituent materials and the mechanical properties of the composite is uncommon. One potential model to understand the mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced hydrogels involves the Halpin–Tsai equations, which relate the modulus values of the fibers and hydrogel matrix and the fiber volume fraction, to the modulus of the composite. To assess the application of this model to fiber‐reinforced hydrogels, predicted values were compared with experimental values from mechanical testing of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) matrix reinforced with an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber mat. Although the equations described these systems well in tension, providing a facile approach to identify a fiber volume fraction that will achieve a desired modulus, the Halpin–Tsai approach was less successful under compression. This study motivates additional investigation of the role of structural features of hydrogel composites in determining mechanical properties to enable design of materials for specific applications.

Polymer Science↗

DOE OSTI2022

Mass transport limitations in polymer electrolyte water electrolyzers using spatially-resolved current measurement

Here this work utilizes spatially-resolved current measurements to provide insight into mass transport limitations in electrolyzers that are not observable from traditional polarization measurement. In this study, two types of flow-fields (parallel and triple-serpentine) and two types of diffusion media (patterned porous thin titanium foil LGDLs and Ir-coated titanium felt PTLs) were examined. A non-uniform current distribution dominated by mass transport limitations was observed to be instigated by the restriction of liquid water transport to catalyst sites. Additionally, conditions are revealed which yield similar polarization performance but dissimilar current distributions. In such cases, the transport limitations for different architectures and porous media affect polarization in different regions of the active area. Furthermore, the triple-serpentine flow-field used in this study performs better than the parallel flow-field under mass transport limited operating conditions. This indicates that the parallel flow-field used in this study is more susceptible to starvation than the triple-serpentine flow-field for the electrolyzer studied.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2020

Printing polymer blends through in situ active mixing during fused filament fabrication

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) enables production of 3D objects over a range of material compositions at low-cost relative to traditional manufacturing approaches. To date, a limited but growing number of materials are able to be used with FFF, however many applications exist where specific mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties are needed that cannot currently be met with the available feedstock selection. Therefore, a need exists to tune these materials for specific chemical or mechanical properties. One common formulation strategy to address these demanding design parameters is to develop composites or polymer blend filaments. Typically, this is a time-consuming and costly optimization process. Here, we have developed hardware for reproducibly mixing two filaments of similar or dissimilar compositions at the time of printing within individual printed layers. This mixing occurs via software-controlled rotating hardware in the chamber of an extruder’s hot-end. The efficiency of mixing within the printed layers has been characterized in detail as a function of the rotational speed and geometry of the blending hardware. These parameters were exploited to program the ratio and distribution of thermoplastic-based filaments blended within printed extrudate. Example printed specimens were produced with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomer blended with rigid polylactic acid (PLA) and Nylon blended with PLA. In addition, a conductive carbon nanotube (CNT)-PLA composite was blended as a function of mixer geometry and input feed ratios with non-conductive PLA and resistance values were measured across the resulting printed specimens.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2020

Additive manufacturing for COVID-19: Devices, materials, prospects, and challenges

The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) where improvised manufacturing in particular 3D printing has addressed many needs. This prospective discusses the current global crisis, then follows the wide interest in addressing the shortage of medical devices and PPEs used for treatment and protection against pathogens. An overview of the 3D printing process with polymer materials is given followed by the different 3D printing projects of PPEs and medical devices that emerged for the pandemic (including validation/testing). The potential for rapid prototyping with different polymer materials and eventual high-throughput production is emphasized.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗