Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are the perfect candidate for nanofillers in high-temperature multifunctional ceramics due to their high thermal stability, oxidation resistance, good mechanical properties, high thermal conductivity, and radiation shielding. In this paper, 3D printed ceramic nanocomposite with 0.1 wt% of BNNT was prepared by fusing it at high temperatures. Samples were built with three different print directions to study the effect of print layers on mechanical performance along with BNNT addition. Dynamic mechanical analysis is performed to study the length effect of nanoscale reinforcements on the mechanical properties of the printed ceramic composites reporting significant improvements up to 55% in bending strength and 72% in bending modulus with just 0.1 wt% BNNT addition. A 63% thermal diffusivity improvement of ceramic by adding BNNTs is observed using laser flash analysis. The bridging and pull-out effect of nanotubes with a longer aspect ratio was observed with high-resolution microscopy. Such composites’ modeling and simulation approaches are crucial for virtual testing and industrial applications. Understanding the effect of nanoscale synthetic fillers for 3D printed high-temperature ceramics can revolutionize future extreme environment structures.

To develop epoxy based electrical insulation for HTS power cable and other device applications, the suitability of two cryogenic rated commercial epoxies, (MASTERBOND EP29-LPSP and EP37-3FLFAO) were evaluated. Characterization of their electrical breakdown characteristics, mechanical strength, and the interfacial shear strength of the interface with HTS tapes were conducted at room temperature and 77 K. The epoxy materials are ductile at cryogenic temperatures to support their use as electrical insulation of HTS power devices.

This paper provides a summary of recent advances in boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and their composites, including properties, purification, characterization techniques involved, failure modes, and modeling methods. After the discovery of carbon nanotubes, BNNTs were first theoretically predicted and successfully synthesized in 1995 by an arc-discharge method. Following that, other techniques for BNNT synthesis were discovered; however, growing highly purified BNNTs remains difficult. The research on the physical properties of BNNTs shows that they have a stable broadband gap, excellent mechanical strength, high thermal conductivity, and high oxidation resistance. These properties make them a perfect candidate for future nanocomposites for high-temperature applications. Interesting effects of BNNT addition with the resultant mechanical behavior and thermal conductivity in a matrix are observed when BNNTs are applied to form nanocomposites with polymer, metal, and ceramic matrices. Modeling and simulation methods of nanotube composites are highly advantageous in developing BNNT-based nanocomposites. Micromechanics, finite element analysis, and molecular dynamics are modeling techniques used to simulate nanotubes and are crucial for model- informed manufacturing and design. In summary, modeling, synthesis, purification, characterization, and properties of BNNT composites are all reviewed in this paper.

Flexible perovskite solar cells introduce opportunities for high throughput, high specific weight, and short energy payback time photovoltaics. However, they require additional investigation into their mechanical resiliency. This work investigates the mechanical properties and behaviors of perovskite thin films and builds a robust model for future research. A two-pronged approach was utilized. Perovskite thin films were flexed in a three-point bend mode with in-situ SEM. Novel insights into the perovskite mechanical behaviors with varying substrate layers were gained. Modeling and validation, the second prong, was completed with finite element analysis. Model coupons of the imaged perovskite architectures were built, with sensitivity analysis completed to provide mechanical property estimates. The results demonstrate that mechanical degradation of perovskite thin films on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) primarily presents as a crack in the grain boundaries between crystals. Perovskite thin films on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and PET primarily crack in a periodic pattern regardless of the placement of perovskite crystals.