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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
The proposed effort describes how to develop novel lightweight, a self-healing system where self-repair is induced by the forces imparted by the damage event itself. This is possible because damage is induced by an energetic source high velocity projectile impact. By designing the molecular composition of a polymer to contain mechanoresponsive functional groups, it is possible to induce self-healing through the transformation of such chemical groups to a state where mechanical properties of the structure are almost completely restored, within fractions of seconds after the damage event occurs. The forces imparted by the damage event can therefore be used to enable healing or repair of the structure.
The ability of a material to autonomically react to changes in its environment lends itself to potential applications that mitigate some of the risks that have been identified for long duration human exploration beyond LEO.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.
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