Chemical research projects office functions accomplishments programs

Basic and applied research in the fields of polymer chemistry, polymeric composites, chemical engineering, and biophysical chemistry is summarized. Emphasis is placed on fire safety and human survivability as they relate to commercial and military aircraft, high-rise buildings, mines and rapid transit transportation. Materials systems and other fire control systems developed for aerospace applications and applied to national domestic needs are described along with bench-scale and full-scale tests conducted to demonstrate the improvements in performance obtained through the utilization of these materials and fire control measures

Attachment methods for advanced spacecraft thermal control materials - An annotated bibliography, phase 1 Summary report supplement

Annotated bibliography on attachment methods for advanced spacecraft thermal control material

Solid rocket motor internal insulation

Internal insulation in a solid rocket motor is defined as a layer of heat barrier material placed between the internal surface of the case propellant. The primary purpose is to prevent the case from reaching temperatures that endanger its structural integrity. Secondary functions of the insulation are listed and guidelines for avoiding critical problems in the development of internal insulation for rocket motors are presented

Investigation of resin systems for improved ablative materials Final report, 19 Jun. 1964 - 31 Jul. 1965

Resin systems investigated for improving ablative materials for use with fluorine-containing liquid propellant system

Multi-layer polymer-metal laminate as fire protection for lightweight transport structures

PhD ThesisThis study describes the development both of a new surface thermal insulation system, the experimental investigations into its fire protection mechanism and efficacy and a new thermal response modelling program. The use of multi-layer polymer metal laminates (PML) draws on the general principle common in conventional insulation methods, such as mineral-fibre and intumescent coatings, of immobilising high fractions of gas within the material and using the gas’ low thermal conductivity, harnessing the insulating effect. PMLs have the advantage over these systems in that they also form an integral part of the structure thereby contributing to the structural performance. With the view of taking this concept from laboratory scale to manufacture, material characterisation experiments were carried out to determine thermal and expansion characteristics of the PML material as these properties significantly influence fire performance. The PML FIRE model predicts the thermal response of PML-insulated substrates and was developed to take account of PML-specific effects such as expansion and foil melting. A series of small-scale fire tests were performed over wide heat flux ranges and on various PML designs, which included variations of PML ply numbers, foil thicknesses as well as the front face appearance, in order to gain insights into the PML fire protection mechanism and to validate the PML FIRE model. Fire-structural experiments on non-reactive and combustible PML-protected substrates commonly used in lightweight structures demonstrated the lower temperature transfer and the greatly improved structural resilience of the underlying substrate achieved. Good correlation of experimental and modelled temperature curves using PML FIRE has been obtained. The thermal state of specimens during heat exposure experiments up to structural failure can now be accurately predicted. Comparison of PML against other insulation methods illustrated the PML’s equivalent or superior behaviour in reducing underlying substrate temperatures and prolonging structural life during fire-structural testing.This research was part of the FIRE-RESIST project funded as a Framework 7 program by the European Commission. I would also like to acknowledge the financial support given through the Endeavour Research Fellowship awarded by the Australian Government, Department of Education and Training

Development of Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) Tannin-Based Thermoset Resins

One of the major challenges currently in the field of material science is finding natural alternatives to the high-performing plastics developed in the last century. Consumers trust synthetic products for their excellent properties, but they are becoming aware of their impact on the planet. One of the most attractive precursors for natural polymers is tannin extracts and in particular condensed tannins. Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) extract is one of the few industrially available flavonoids and can be exploited as a building block for thermoset resins due to its phenol-like reactivity. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate different hardeners and evaluate the water resistance, thermal behavior, and chemical structure of the quebracho tannin-based polymers in order to understand their suitability as adhesives. It was observed that around 80% of the extract is resistant to leaching when 5% of formaldehyde or hexamine or 10% of glyoxal or furfural are added. Additionally, furfuryl alcohol guarantees high leaching resistance, but only at higher proportions (20%). The quebracho-based formulations showed specific thermal behavior during hardening and higher degradation resistance than the extract. Finally, these polymers undergo similar chemistry to those of mimosa, with exclusive reactivity of the A-ring of the flavonoid

Chemistry: Space resources for teachers including suggestions for classroom activities and laboratory experiments

Curriculum supplement to assist general chemistry teachers in updating instruction materials with aerospace development

Advanced Materials for Exploration Task Research Results

The Advanced Materials for Exploration (AME) Activity in Marshall Space Flight Center s (MSFC s) Exploration Science and Technology Directorate coordinated activities from 2001 to 2006 to support in-space propulsion technologies for future missions. Working together, materials scientists and mission planners identified materials shortfalls that are limiting the performance of long-term missions. The goal of the AME project was to deliver improved materials in targeted areas to meet technology development milestones of NASA s exploration-dedicated activities. Materials research tasks were targeted in five areas: (1) Thermal management materials, (2) propulsion materials, (3) materials characterization, (4) vehicle health monitoring materials, and (5) structural materials. Selected tasks were scheduled for completion such that these new materials could be incorporated into customer development plans