Enabling Sustained Presence Using Recyclables (ESPUR)

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

We propose to develop technology to enable energy efficient in-space manufacturing (ISM) of articles on human exploration missions. This is achieved through the generation of polymer-coated epoxy microparticles. The polymer coating will contain both furan and maleimide “click” functionalities that, when brought together, will spontaneously react forming a consolidated material. This reaction can be reversed through application of modest heat (100 °C). Key objectives for this 3rd year of funding include: 3D printing tensile test specimens, delivery of a complete material system, infusion plan for programmatic funding, demonstration of multiple bond/debond cycles.

Benefits

Multifunctional materials and off-Earth fabrication technologies will be critical to realize a sustained lunar or Martian presence. ESPUR is focused on the utilization of a reversibly assembling feedstock for recyclable/repurposable article fabrication . This is realized using efficient click chemical reactions present in novel copolycarbonate urethane coated epoxy microparticles.

Details

Technology area	Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Materials > Special Materials
Program	Center Innovation Fund: LaRC CIF (LaRC CIF)
Lead organization	Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

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

Christopher J Wohl — c.j.wohl@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.