3D Printing of Hierarchical Foams in Microgravity

Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)

Description

During this flight demonstration, a series of metal oxide foam test specimens (i.e. nanoparticle-based Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) aqueous foam emulsions or inks) will be printed in microgravity (µG), using two parabolic aircraft flights. The hypothesis is that when the foams are created and printed in microgravity, they should be more stable and more uniform than when similar processes are used to print and post-treat the foam under normal Earth gravity conditions. Also, based on the Nakahara effect, which states that memory can be imprinted on pastes or emulsions, it is hypothesized that the µG conditions will induce distinct memory effects on the printed specimens. Such processing-specific memory effects may be manifested in distinct mechanical and microstructural properties.

Technology Maturation
The payload apparatus consists of an in-house built pneumatic-based extrusion 3D printer that will be integrated into an existing payload frame and enclosure. Mechanical, electrical, and microstructural post-flight characterization data from the µG-printed specimens will be compared with similar data for a series of otherwise identical baseline Earth-printed specimens.

2021 Paper: Direct foam writing in microgravity

Benefits

Foams have promise for space applications, including radiation shielding for future human space exploration missions, solar cell arrays and/or batteries, embedded sensors, and water and/or air photocatalytic treatment. When foams are created and printed in microgravity, they should be more stable and more uniform than when similar processes are used to print and post-treat foam under normal Earth gravity conditions. In addition, it may be possible that memory effects can be obtained on the printed specimens. Such processing-specific memory effects may be manifested in distinct mechanical and microstructural properties.

Future Customers
The proposed foams have promise for space applications, including use for radiation shielding for future human space exploration missions, use in solar cell arrays and/or batteries, use in embedded sensors, and for water and/or air photocatalytic treatment.

Details

Technology area	Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Manufacturing > Manufacturing Processes
Program	Flight Opportunities (FO)
Lead organization	West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Start date	2019-01-01
End date	2021-06-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Konstantinos Sierros
John M Kuhlman

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.