NanoSonic has designed and produced a multifunctional material having low air permeability, cryogenic flexibility, and self-healing capabilities as a candidate bladder for expandable vehicles and habitats deployed during space missions. This innovative self-healing mechanism is accomplished rheologically, rather than chemically, which allows for immediate self-sealing under reduced pressure encountered during space explorations. Investigations were conducted in collaboration with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), Colorado State University (CSU) and the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL). These initial studies were designed to evaluate tolerance to damage from exposure to ionizing radiations that simulated heavy ion components of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and high doses from solar protons. Results verified that these composites maintain durability using tests for air permeability, self-sealing following puncture, and sustained mechanical strength with minimal loss in elasticity upon cryogenic flexure.

Date Published: 26 April 2017
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 10165, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2017, 1016510 (26 April 2017); doi: 10.1117/12.2259984

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 10165:
Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional Materials and Composites 2017
Nakhiah C. Goulbourne, Editor(s)