Materials & Coatings

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on materials and coatings, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Ultra-thin SiC microstructures enable batch fabrication of MEMS, NEMS, pressure sensors, and biosensors.
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Briefs: Transportation
This plant-based material can be manufactured using water as a solvent instead of other harmful solvents.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
Load-bearing structures in cars and airplanes could be manufactured from the metal foam.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
According to the United Nations, 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and the majority live in developing nations. A process was developed...
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
This technology is a novel, rugged, and economic diagnostic and sensor platform technology.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The skin could help rehabilitation and enhance virtual reality by instantaneously adapting to a wearer's movements.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Made with “Jenga chemistry,” the material could help in understanding how high-temperature superconductors work.
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Briefs: Aerospace
This lightweight material brings strength and durability to complex shapes.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This hands-on, educational tool highlights the properties of SMA wire.
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Briefs: Materials
This technology provides simultaneous ohmic contacts and the process to make them.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This optical switch controls the direction of light passing through optical fibers faster and more efficiently.
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Briefs: Energy
This multifunctional hybrid laminate composite can be used for residential and commercial construction.
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Briefs: Materials
This invention is a highly stable, heat-treatable, and tunable material.
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Briefs: Communications
RFID-based devices work in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions and could transmit data for years before they need to be replaced.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Optically Fixable Shape Memory Polymers
These polymers can combine thermal and optically fixable shape memory.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Heat-Regulating Material for Next-Generation Space Blanket
Squid skin inspires a new material with heat-regulating properties.
Briefs: Materials
Ultra-Thin Layers of Rust Generate Electricity from Flowing Water
When combined with saltwater, rust can be a source of electricity.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This technology has applications in sonar, range measuring, directional-force sensors, flow meters, and vibration/noise sensing and control.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Washable Sensor Can Be Woven Into Materials
The device could impact composites manufacturing and health monitoring.
Briefs: Materials
Stronger and flexible, polyimide aerogels provide insulation and structural support.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Undercooled metal technology was developed that features liquid metal (in this case, Field's metal, an alloy of bismuth, indium, and tin) trapped below its melting point in polished, oxide...
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Briefs: Materials
A process was developed for producing oxide perovskite crystals in flexible, free-standing layers. A two-dimensional rendition of this substance is intriguing because 2D materials have been shown to...
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Briefs: Energy
Researchers have created a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters, steelworkers, miners, and others who work in high-risk environments where they cannot always be seen. The...
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Briefs: Materials
A perception system for soft robots was developed that is inspired by the way humans process information about their own bodies in space and in relation to other objects and people. The system includes a motion...
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines are employed to locate cancerous tumors and aid in the development of treatment plans, while nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) machines are used to...
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Researchers have developed a fiber that combines the elasticity of rubber with the strength of a metal, resulting in a tougher material. The fibers consist of a gallium metal core surrounded...
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Briefs: Materials
To investigate oceans, researchers aim to build a submerged network of interconnected sensors that sends data to the surface. Supplying constant power to scores of sensors designed to stay for long...
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Smart Electronic Skin for Robots and Prosthetics
Humans use the sense of touch to accomplish almost every daily task such as picking up a cup of coffee or shaking someone’s hand. Without it, humans can even lose their sense of balance when walking. Similarly, robots need to have a sense of touch in order to interact better with humans but robots...
Briefs: Defense
By mimicking the outer coating of pearls (nacre or mother of pearl), researchers created a lightweight plastic that is 14 times stronger and eight times lighter (less dense) than steel. It could be...
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