Self Healing Coating/Film (KSC)
Project Description
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has been developing self healing materials and technologies. This project seeks to further develop self healing functionality in thin films for applications such as corrosion protective coatings, inflatable structures, space suit materials, and electrical wire insulation.
Self healing technologies could significantly increase material/system reliability, reduce life cycle costs, and improve operational safety. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has been developing self-healing technologies and has established intellectual properties in this area. One of KSC’s approaches is encapsulating healants in microcapsules with spherical and elongated shapes so that the contents can be released automatically when the system is damaged. The other approach involves synthesizing and utilizing polymers that are capable of self-sealing when mechanical damage, such as a scratch, occurs.
More »Anticipated Benefits
- increase material/system reliability
- reduce life cycle costs, and
- improve operational safety
Self-healing, multi-functional materials have been identified as critical technologies for increased sustainability and reliability in space exploration. NASA and the aerospace community still lack self-healing capabilities in systems such as wiring, protective coatings and habitation structures.
When developed, this technolgy will add new functionality, reduce life cycle cost, increase the safety and reliability of deep space missions, as well as benefit the public after commercialization in such areas as coatings, medical, electronic and composites industries.
Self healing materials and technologies can have game changing impacts for deep space exploration and habitation missions, as well as commercial aviation and the oil industry.
Technology advances in self healing and wire insulation materials can benefit many other government agencies such as the US Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, and Department of Energy.
More »Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Kennedy Space Center
(KSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Kennedy Space Center, Florida |
| QinetiQ North America (QNA) | Supporting Organization | Industry |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Florida
