Fabrication of Multifunctional BN Fine Fibers by Forcespinning Method

Key Technical Challenges: Determining how to address the fact that PVP contains nitrogen (N) in its chemistry, but it does not have boron (B), and synthesis methods to produce borazine and its derivatives due to volatility of the products.\nApproach/Research Plan: Make PVP/solutions with 3 and 20 wt. % of B2O3 in the PVP/ethanol solution; Synthesize and characterize Borazine; Spin PVP solutions with borea and to make PVP/B preceramic fibers and characterize. Synthesize and characterize PBZ; Heat-treat PVP/B preceramic fibers and characterize final product. Evaluate fiber properties; Optimize heat treatments if necessary, make new fibers, characterize, evaluate fiber's composition, thermal, electrical and mechanical properties; and Study of the effects of concentration and viscosity of PBZ for fiber preforming.\nDifferent/Complementary: This project uses liquid solution based precursors with chemical constituents of the desired end product. In this case, it is preferred to have a boron to nitrogen (N) ratio of 1:1. The polymers are dissolved in solution, followed by preforming to a nanofiber and then cured. The curing or crosslinking process is used to link the polymer chains to one another. \nNext Step: If the results warrant future work, the next step is to optimize PDC processing steps to produce high yield and quality BN nanofibers.

Goal: To develop revolutionary fiber technology for multifunctional materials.\nCapability Need/Knowledge Gap: The project addresses NASA needs in lightweight, multifunctional materials, manufacturing and structures for alternative propulsion such as electric and deep-space exploration systems such as re-entry shielding, radiation shielding, and space structures. \nState-of-the-Art/Knowledge: Current state-of-the-art (SOA) h-BN nano materials are limited due to respiratory health hazards associated with their small scale (< 100 nm) and high cost production. The method considered in the project, removes these risks since fibers have larger diameters (\u2265 200 nm) providing fast and low-cost production rates to industrial sectors.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.