99--TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY HIGHLY ALIGNED ELECTROSPUN FIBERS AND MATS

Synopsis: 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. THE TECHNOLOGY: Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have developed NASA Langley has created a modified electrospinning apparatus for spinning highly aligned polymer fibers and also a companion simulation software program that helps tailor the process for a particular application. Fiber placement is difficult to control in conventional electrospinning, which creates randomly oriented fibers that are well suited to nonwoven mats, but not to other applications. Now, NASA Langley has developed an auxiliary electrode that creates an opposing electric field to control the alignment and porosity of fibers for mats. The new apparatus and its companion software will enable the production of single fibers and mats of micro- and nano-fibers with controlled orientation, and allow controlled orientation of the fiber lay-up for multiple layers of fiber to form a thicker mat. The process begins when a pump slowly expels polymer solution through the tip of the spinneret at a set flow rate as a positive charge is applied. The auxiliary electrode, which is negatively charged, is positioned opposite the charged spinneret. The disparity in charges creates an electric field that effectively controls the polymer jet behavior as it is expelled from the spinneret and ultimately the distribution of the fibers and mats formed from the polymer solution as it lands on the rotating collection mandrel. Modifying various parameters of the process and/or polymer solution can make a broad range of fiber diameters. The companion simulation software provides the optimal spin parameters, such as electrical field distribution and fiber trajectory, for a particular fiber application. Performance data has confirmed the substantial role that the electric field plays in the significant improvement in fiber alignment and control relative to using the rotating collector alone. 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.