SBIR Phase I: Nanostructured Inorganic Microspheres

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to investigate synthetic approaches to develop specialty glass microspheres based on aluminum phosphate compositions. The proposed approach is targeted toward synthesis of high emissivity hollow microspheres that are stable to elevated temperatures, which offer opportunities for their use in thermal protection/insulation systems. This is primarily enabled by nanoscale design to yield nanostructured composite walls of these microspheres. The objectives of the proposed work are targeted toward enhancing the durability of emissivity properties at elevated temperatures via manipulation of the glass structure. Advancing the knowledge of high temperature behavior of such systems will provide key benefits for implementation in a broad range of applications in energy, defense, and aerospace industries which are critically needed for national security and energy conservation in the future.