Nanoparticle hybrid composites by RF plasma spray deposition

US9963345B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA · US

Inventors

• Stephen J. Hales · Poquoson, US
• Joel A. Alexa · Hampton, US
• Brian J. Jensen · Williamsburg, US
• Roberto J. Cano · Yorktown, US
• Peter T. Lillehei · Yorktown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 14, 2014
• Grant date: May 8, 2018
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01P2004/13
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of fabricating a composite material includes utilizing a radio frequency plasma process to form a plasma plume comprising nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise boron nitride nanoparticles, silicon carbide nanoparticles, beryllium oxide nanoparticles, or carbon nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may comprise nanotubes or other particles depending on the requirements of a particular application. The nanoparticles are deposited on a substrate by directing a plasma plume towards the substrate. The nanoparticles are formed in the plasma plume immediately prior to being deposited on the substrate. The nanoparticles may form a mechanical bond with the fibers in addition to a chemical bond in the absence of a catalyst. The substrate may comprise a fiber fabric that may optionally be coated with a thin layer of metal. Alternatively, the substrate may comprise a solid material such as a metal sheet or plate.