Abstract
Herein we report 2D printing in microgravity of aqueous-based foams containing metal oxide nanoparticles. Such hierarchical foams have potential space applications, for example for in situ habitat repair work, or for UV shielding. Foam line patterns of a TiO2-containing foam have been printed onto glass substrates via Direct Foam Writing (DFW) under microgravity conditions through a parabolic aircraft flight. Initial characterization of the foam properties (printed foam line width, bubble size, etc.) are presented. It has been found that gravity plays a significant role in the process of direct foam writing. The foam spread less over the substrate when deposited in microgravity as compared to Earth gravity. This had a direct impact on the cross-sectional area and surface roughness of the printed lines. Additionally, the contact angle of deionized water on a film exposed to microgravity was higher than that of a film not exposed to microgravity, due to the increased surface roughness of films exposed to microgravity.
Highlights
Planned US space exploration missions include manned missions to the Moon and to Mars
The present study focuses on single-layer (2D) Direct Foam Writing (DFW) of oil-in-water foams containing titanium dioxide (TiO2), as TiO2 is abundant on the Moon[23,24] and could be used as an ultraviolet (UV) radiation absorber[25,26] for space vehicle or habitation shielding to protect both astronauts and equipment
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the foam printed in microgravity and Earth gravity (Fig. 1b, c, respectively) show that both printed lines (Fig. 1a) exhibit a closed-cell internal structure
Summary
Planned US space exploration missions include manned missions to the Moon and to Mars. A particular form of 3D printing known as Direct Foam Writing (DFW) has been used to fabricate 3D hierarchical[19,20] structures via the deposition of foams containing a mixture of oil, water, oxide particles, and other binders[21,22]. The present study focuses on single-layer (2D) DFW of oil-in-water foams containing titanium dioxide (TiO2), as TiO2 is abundant on the Moon[23,24] and could be used as an ultraviolet (UV) radiation absorber[25,26] for space vehicle or habitation shielding to protect both astronauts and equipment. A stable foam containing TiO2 with variable liquid volume fraction could be useful for performing in situ space vehicle or habitation repair or for UV radiation shielding. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the ability to perform 2D
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
