Repurposable Structural Composite Utilization (ReSCU) Materials, Year 2

Conceptual designs for future planetary landers make extensive use of composite materials because of their combination of high strength and stiffness, and low mass. These composites are not repurposable, so hundreds of kilograms of valuable materials are essentially discarded after landing. Develop structural composite materials that can be repurposed for other uses after serving their original purpose. Current thermoset matrix composite recycling methods are very energy intensive, destroy the matrix phase, and significantly degrade the properties of the reinforcing fibers. During the FY18 project activity a thorough literature survey of potential matrix chemistries was performed. Several promising options were identified that will be experimentally explored during FY20 work. The focus of this FY20 activity will be on an experimental demonstration of a prototype component, which will be fully characterized before and after being repurposed into a ‘new’ component. A systems analysis study was also initiated during the FY19 project.

This work will continue in FY20 project work, focusing on specific opportunities for insertion in a conceptual Artemis mission. Repurposing composite materials will enable more efficient future missions

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.