Engineered Multifunction Surfaces for Fluid Handling, Phase I

The goal of this proposal is to investigate the applicability of recent advances in plasma manufacturing and material treatment to NASA advanced life support systems. In particular we wish to examine surface treatment, material deposition, and the use of low pressure and atmospheric pressure plasma reactors as methods of creating single-piece multi-function fluid handling surfaces. Phase I will determine the feasibility of modifying existing plasma processes to develop a number of different functionalities directly onto an aluminum or ceramic surface. Plasma deposition techniques will be used to create a hydrophilic and bactericidal surface. Etching and deposition will be used to create temperature sensors directly on a surface. Further investigation of deposition techniques will examine the feasibility of depositing thermoelectric (Pelltier) materials onto surfaces. Finally, a resource utilization analysis will be performed to determine the relative merits of creating an atmospheric pressure plasma reactor directly on a thin surface for the purpose of water purification.

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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