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Enabling Niobium-based Alloy and Coating Technologies (ENACT)
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Description
Design and benchmark novel oxygen-tolerant additively manufactured (AM) Nb-based alloys with advanced environmental barrier coatings (EBCs)
Benefits
Will enable more efficient propulsion/power conversion systems Addresses a critical space industry need for thrusters capable of higher temperatures, longer lifetimes, and improved reusability beyond legacy niobium (Nb) alloy C103 reaction control system (RCS) thrusters Enhanced reusability and reproducible improvements over SOA alloys/coatings is a key hurdle for adoption, and demonstration of representative thruster conditions >1400C can provide ~10% increase in specific impulse. Characterize legacy Nb-alloys C103 and Nb521 as benchmarks, then confirm the improved elevated-temperature mechanical and oxidation resistance of new oxygen-tolerant, lower-density Nb-base alloys (with/without oxide dispersion strengthening). Investigate the oxidation performance of alumina- and silica-forming EBCs for Nb-based alloys in comparison to heritage R512E(A) Si-Cr-Fe(Ti)-based slurry coatings.
Details
| Technology area | Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Materials > Materials for Extreme Environments |
| Program | Agency Independent Research and Development (A-IRAD) |
| Lead organization | Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH |
| Start date | 2025-11-01 |
| End date | 2026-09-30 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
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.
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