Justin Selected with NASA NIFS Opportunity for Mars Mission

Justin started his research work in the AI-assisted Multifunctional Materials Manufacturing (AI-M3) Lab in 2016 under the supervision of Dr. Cheryl Xu. During the time when collaborating with NASA LaRC in summer 2017, he was able to create the first batch of the composite samples with his group colleagues. This is a new manufacturing process to make advanced ceramic composite using boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) as the reinforcement.  The new process allows for up to 25% weight percentage of BNNT in the composite. In contrast, only 0.5% weight percentage of BNNT were reinforced into ceramic composites from literature. The high percentage of BNNT reinforcement allows material’s flexibility and high thermal stability. If successful, the composite will have excellent toughness with minimum defect. Such a flexible and conformal ceramic composite can be used for inflatable space structures such as a deployable habitat and can withstand extreme temperatures without sacrificing its mechanical properties.

Justin was recognized with the Exceptional Contribution Award at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). (from Left to Right: Dr. Cheol Park at NASA LaRC; Justin Morales; Dr. Cheryl Xu)