← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
The proposed work seeks to design and create metallic/metallic glass nanolaminates with optimized nano-scale thicknesses architected into 3-dimensional periodic hollow micro-truss geometries. We will utilize advanced lithography tools to first create these architectures as polymer scaffolds, which will then be conformally coated with a variety of metals/metallic systems. After coating, the internal polymer matrix will be dissolved to reveal a hollow metallic structure, whose design is ultimately hierarchical: from nanometers (wall thickness) to microns (truss member diameters and lengths), to centimeters (fully fabricated truss). This process will combine the 3-dimensional cellular architectures, which offer extremely light weight, with alternating, nanometers-thick metallic/metallic glass nano laminates, which have demonstrated both enhanced radiation tolerance and ductility. Such an out-of-the-box approach to material synthesis promises to harness the beneficial properties offered by nano materials and proliferate them onto larger scales. This, in turn, will enable combining the extremely light weight, radiation immunity, and enhanced stiffness and toughness in a single material.
Such an out-of-the-box approach to material synthesis promises to harness the beneficial properties offered by nano materials and proliferate them onto larger scales. This, in turn, will enable combining the extremely light weight, radiation immunity, and enhanced stiffness and toughness in a single material.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.