← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 6 (started at 1, targeting 9)
Project Objective
Addition of a nanoindentation capability that allows the high spatial resolution measurement of mechanical properties at vacuum and low temperature for coatings/thin films and multiphase material surfaces needed for the conditions of space, the Moon, and Mars.
Project Description
With this project we procured a vacuum, low temp nanoindenter to expand capabilities in surface characterization of coatings/thin films and multiphase (composite and alloy) materials. The nanoindenter provides the ability to: (1) measure hardness, Young’s modulus, and other properties (e.g., viscoelastic and strain-rate dependent) of coatings much thinner than can be measured using conventional indenters; (2) perform mechanical property surface mapping at high lateral resolution to understand material inhomogeneity across surfaces (grain-to-grain differences, different phases in composites, material defects); and (3) perform scratch/adhesion tests for coatings and wear tests at nanoscale. All can be performed in vacuum and at temperatures as low as -150 °C. The nanoindenter also has a scanning probe microscope capability, which provides surface height maps at a spatial resolution that is orders of magnitude better than any currently available in the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Materials and Processes Laboratory.
Project Results and Conclusions
The Center is acquiring a tool for the mechanical characterization of complex material surfaces and surface coatings at vacuum and low temp, a capability that did not previously exist at MSFC. Several dust mitigation projects on unique coatings and bulk materials, including an Early Career Initiative (ECI) project and several Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN) projects, are being led by MSFC personnel in the Materials and Processes Tribology & Metrology and other labs.
Nanoindentation data taken for such materials will enable their optimization. Adding this advanced surface characterization tool allows the Center to continue to advance and increase its work and expertise in this area.
New materials must be developed for the harsh conditions in space, on the Moon, and on Mars as NASA looks to a long-term presence on other planets. Some of these will be surface coatings, composites, and alloys engineered to have good surface properties to protect against wear and other detrimental effects. The tribological performance of those surfaces depends greatly on their mechanical properties. The nanoindenter procured here allows mapping of properties over surface areas for thin films/coatings and multi-phase materials at vacuum and at temperatures as low as -150 °C, that cannot be characterized effectively, even at ambient conditions, using tools previously available. The Center is working on several dust-mitigation projects to develop unique materials that could be characterized using this tool, materials that could be useful for Habitat Systems and Human Landing Systems (HLS). HLS and HLS commercial partners have shown interest in dust coatings and other technologies under development.
Additively manufactured materials, a major MSFC focus area, can also be characterized for surface properties. Differences are known to exist from one additive manufacturing (AM) process to another; these differences can be characterized precisely using this new instrument.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.