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Development of Advanced Alloys using FullerenesDevelopment of advanced alloys using fullerenes is currently underway to produce materials for use in the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU). These materials will be directed toward commercial usages as they are continually developed. Fullerenes (of which the most common is C(sub 60)) are lightweight, nanometer size, hollow molecules of carbon which can be dispersed in conventional alloy systems to enhance strength and reduce weight. In this research, fullerene interaction with aluminum is investigated and a fullerene-reinforced aluminum alloy is being developed for possible use on the EMU. The samples were manufactured using standard commercial approaches including powder metallurgy and casting. Alloys have been processed having 1.3, 4.0 and 8.0 volume fractions of fullerenes. It has been observed that fullerene dispersion is related to the processing approach and that they are stable for the processing conditions used in this research. Emphasis will be given to differential thermal analysis and wavelength dispersive analysis of the processed alloys. These two techniques are particularly useful in determining the condition of the fullerenes during and after processing. Some discussion will be given as to electrical properties of fullerene-reinforced materials. Although the aluminum and other advanced alloys with fullerenes are being developed for NASA and the EMU, the properties of these materials will be of interest for commercial applications where specific Dual-Use will be given.
Document ID
19960021777
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Sims, J.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX United States)
Wasz, M.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX United States)
O'Brien, J.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX United States)
Callahan, D. L.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX United States)
Barrera, E. V.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Dual-Use Space Technology Transfer Conference and Exhibition
Volume: 1
Subject Category
Metallic Materials
Accession Number
96N25052
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG9-628
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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