Diamond Member SpaceMan 0 Posted September 27 Diamond Member Share Posted September 27 2 min readPreparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Research into phase-change material (PCM) options for NASA helped one of the researchers find the ideal material to use in a mug that maintains the ideal temperature of a hot beverage for hours. ThermAvant International now offers mugs and tumblers.Credit: ThermAvant International LLC Dr. Hongbin Ma was tired of drinking coffee that had gone cold. Fortunately, Ma, the CEO of ThermAvant Technologies LLC in Columbia, Missouri, was working on a NASA-funded study of phase-change materials, which are used to hold a steady temperature. Materials absorb or release more heat as they transition from solid to liquid or vice versa than they do before or after this phase change. NASA has long used phase-changing materials to manage temperature extremes in space. The Apollo lunar rover, International Space Station, Orion capsule, and *********** on the newest spacesuit design all utilize phase-change material. As part of his NASA-funded research, Ma tested and recommended a phase-change material that could be used in a spacesuit-cooling system, a modified version of those used in spacecraft. A phase-change material needs to transition at the desired temperature, but it also needs to be safe. Paraffin wax and refrigerants are effective but are toxic to humans, which would make a ***** hazardous. Ma’s team ultimately recommended a bio-based option for spacesuits. Bio-based waxes also proved to be the perfect solution for maintaining optimal temperature for coffee. In this case, it was a beeswax-like soy substance. Ma’s company, ThermAvant Technologies, took the opportunity to infuse the bio-based waxes into a product on Earth. This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up A phase-change heat exchanger like this one uses uses a PCM that will help maintain a comfortable temperature in the Orion spacecraft. NASA-funded research into spacesuit material alternatives helped ThermAvant International LLC develop the Burnout thermal mug for coffee. Credit: NASA Released in 2018, the Burnout Mug is vacuum insulated with the wax called HeatZorb, sealed between the inner and outer shells. The wax is formulated to maintain the ideal temperature for hot drinks over time. As soon as hot liquid goes in, the wax absorbs excess heat and melts, resulting in a drinkable temperature in just a few moments. As the coffee starts to cool, that stored heat is released back into it. The company is developing other uses for the same technology to meet unique needs in the medical field. Two in development are a small insulin container and a donor organ transportation box – both of which rely on specific, controlled temperatures. From hot beverages to life-saving medical equipment, NASA’s research continues to drive innovation across industries. Read More Share Details Last Updated Sep 27, 2024 Related Terms This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Explore More This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up /applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"> 3 min read Measuring Moon Dust to ****** Air Pollution Article 1 week ago This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up /applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"> 2 min read Printed Engines Propel the Next Industrial Revolution Efforts to 3D print engines produce significant savings in rocketry and beyond Article 2 weeks ago This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up /applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"> 2 min read Tech Today: Flipping NASA Tech and Sticking the Landing NASA tech adds gecko grip to phone accessory Article 2 months ago Keep Exploring Discover Related Topics Technology Transfer & Spinoffs This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up /applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"> Humans in Space This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up /applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"> Orion Spacecraft This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up /applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"> Spacesuits This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up Link to comment https://hopzone.eu/forums/topic/136826-nasa-the-science-of-the-perfect-cup-for-coffee%C2%A0/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
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