Manufacture of Novel Cryogenic Thermal Protection Materials

Advanced Materials Technology, Inc (AMTI) responds to the NASA SBIR solicitation X8 "Space Cryogenic Systems" under subtopic X8.01, "Cryogenic Fluid Transfer and Handling". The proposed Phase II SBIR program is aimed at developing new cryogenic insulations for passive thermal control, resulting in zero boil-off storage of cryogens. The passive thermal control will serve to limit the heat leak into the cryogenic storage system. The proposed technology is expected to increase reliability, increase cryogenic system performance, and is capable of being made flight qualified for the flight systems and to meet Exploration Systems mission requirements. We will continue to use the technical approaches that have shown tremendous potential during the successful Phase I effort. Our key approach will be based on the development, fabrication, and characterization of organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite microfoams. In the Phase I program, we successfully demonstrated the feasibility of fabrication of these new foams with significantly improved morphology and thermo-mechanical properties. The proposed approach will utilize environmentally friendly blowing agents. The closed cell structure of these novel foams will prevent the occurrence of cryopumping. The proposed effort will further enhance and optimize the novel microfoams, scale up the optimized materials, and culminate in the fabrication of prototype materials to demonstrate the readiness and maturity of our techniques.

The innovative technology proposed in this program will provide excellent thermal and electrical insulation capabilities. The technology is ideal for numerous applications. For instance, it can be used in military or commercial aircraft, and in the hulls of ships. In addition, these novel microfoams can be used as laminates for circuit boards or in other electronics. In automobiles, the foam can be used for the firewall behind the engine or in brake pads, trim, molded plastic parts, and other care elements. They also can be used in a variety of construction applications or in recreational equipment. Other attributes of these materials are their excellent chemical resistance, low outgassing, superior radiation resistance, and excellent wear performance. In addition, the novel cellular material is an ideal core material for composite structures in aircraft industry such as luggage bins, galleys and lower wall panels. We anticipate that parts made from these materials will be excellent replacements for metals, ceramics, and other engineering polymers.

The ability of the proposed hybrid microfoams to remain flexible and resilient at cryogenic temperatures makes them an ideal choice for lightweight insulation in space applications. Some examples of NASA applications include cryogenic insulation of storage tanks, vessels, pumps, and transfer lines on major rocket propulsion systems. Our materials will provide NASA with robust cryogenic solutions and, therefore, will significantly decrease space mission failures.

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.