99--TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER COMPOSITES FORIMPROVED SENSING AND ACTUATION DEVICES

NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. THE TECHNOLOGY: Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have developed a novel electroactive SWCNT polymer composite that is an intrinsic unimorph. The system demonstrates electrostrictive actuation of a composite that is caused by increased interfacial polarization at the interfaces between the nanotubes and the matrix. The technology can function as an intrinsic unimorph actuator that does not require adhesive or extraneous inactive layers to generate large bending actuation. The CNT composite forms an intrinsic unimorph actuator during the film processing, which is significant because there is no need to induce bending strain in active layers or adhesive. This makes manufacturing the actuator easy and eliminates any future delamination problems. The unimorph can actuate strains (2.6%) at low driving voltages (<1 MVm-1) while maintaining its high performance in mechanical durability, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. The intrinsic unimorph actuator does not require adhesive or extraneous inactive layers to generate the bending actuation. The comparison of the electromechanical properties displayed in the table below conveys the significance of the NASA materials performanceNASA Langley Research Center Electroactive Polyimide (LaRC-EAP) CNT composites in a dry state without any electrolytes. The tunable multifunctionality and structural reinforcement achieved with the NASA composites could contribute to the design of intelligent and durable components for future aerospace vehicles as well as terrestrial applications. To express interest in this opportunity, please respond to [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. Please also provide the nature of your interest in the technology along with a brief background of your company. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at http://technology.nasa.gov/ . These responses are provided to members of NASA Langleys Office of Strategic Analysis and Business Development OSACB for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. If direct licensing interest results from this posting, OSACB will follow the required formal licensing process of posting in the Federal Register. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.