Center Innovation Fund: MSFC CIF
3D Printed Electroluminescent Light Panels - FY17
Project Description
Task 1: Construct EL devices using both commercially available inks and MSFC developed inks starting with screen-printing methods as a baseline Task 2: Quantitatively compare the devices and measure the improvements (if any) that are gained by using MSFC nano-materials over commercial materials Task 3: Convert best inks from thick film (used for screen printing) to thin film (suitable for aerosol-jet printing)Task 4: Develop a particle-free Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) ink to allow for the printing of transparent, conductive electrodes using [1]Task 5: Switch from a "front to back" method printing on a conductive-coated plastic sheet (conventional method) to a "back to front" method using the ITO ink as the front electrode/window Year 1 Deliverables: Aerosol-Jet printed EL device printed using "back to front" method.
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Anticipated Benefits
The goal of this project is to create the inks for electroluminescent (EL) devices that can be embedded onto many surfaces. This concept was incubated as a result of the desire to embed identification patches on astronaut space suits, so that at a glance astronauts could identify other astronauts in their suits. This is particularly important in the Martian environment where dust storms are frequent. The technology will be applicable to in-situ construction of future planetary habitats. The current state of the art is deficient in regards to printing EL devices; namely, the reliance on a prepared surface coated with a transparent conductor and the inks used for the rest of the device (conductor inks, phosphor inks, and dielectric inks).
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
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