Multi-layered Self-healing Material System for Impact Mitigation
materials and coatings
Multi-layered Self-healing Material System for Impact Mitigation (LAR-TOPS-122)
Material capable of micro-second self-healing from high-velocity punctures across a wide range of temperatures
Overview
NASA Langley researchers have developed a multi-layered self-healing material system for impact mitigation from ballistic or hypervelocity events (e.g., micrometeoroids or orbital debris). The system is constructed by sandwiching a reactive liquid monomer formulation between two solid polymer panels. While developed with space exploration in mind, the innovation has many other applications, such as fuel tanks and hydraulic insulation.
The Technology
This innovation utilizes a tri-layered structure, comprised of solid plastic front and back layers sandwiching a viscous, reactive liquid middle layer. Combined, this system provides rapid self-healing following high velocity ballistic penetrations. Self-healing in the front and back layers occurs when the puncture event creates a melt state in the polymer materials and the materials melt elasticity snaps back and closes the hole. The viscous middle layer augments the self-healing properties of the other layers by flowing into the gap created by a ballistic puncture and concurrently solidifying due to the presence of oxygen. Thus, this innovation has two tiers of self-healing: a puncture-healing mechanism triggered by the projectile and a second mechanism triggered by the presence of oxygen.
Benefits
- Self-healing capability over a wide range of temperatures.
- Rapid self-healing from high-velocity events.
- Material may be tailored for use in structural load-bearing applications.
Applications
- Aircraft
- MMOD protective liners in space habitats/structures
- Radiation Shielding
- Encasing for fuel lines / tanks
- Encasing for hydraulics
- Wire insulation material
- Any pressure loaded type structures
Technology Details
materials and coatings
LAR-TOPS-122
LAR-18472-1
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