U of A Researchers to Improve Spacecraft Functionality for NASA

Photo by University Relations

Min Zou

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded Min Zou, a Distinguished Professor of mechanical engineering at the U of A, just under $750,000 to develop bioinspired surface textures that repel lunar dust. Xiangbo Meng, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the U of A, will serve as a co-principal investigator on the project.

Lunar dust, a fine, glassy material that can be several inches thick on the surface of the Moon, is known to be abrasive and electrostatically charged. The dust adheres to surfaces, penetrates seals, clogs mechanisms and contributes to material degradation, undermining the longevity and functionality of spacecraft, habitats and equipment operating on the moon.

This was a significant challenge during the Apollo missions, as lunar dust compromised equipment performance and posed health risks to astronauts. Tracked into the module on suits and gear, the fine, electrostatically charged dust became airborne, leading to respiratory and eye irritation.

This project aims to develop advanced bioinspired surface textures that effectively repel lunar dust, with a goal of identifying a surface texture that can be applied to places such as habitat exteriors, doors and windows. Bioinspired surfaces that warrant close study include lotus leaves, which are known to be self-cleaning by repelling water and dirt; the skin of sandfish lizards, whose overlapped scales minimize friction in sandy environments and prevent sand particles from sticking; and sea shells, whose layered structures contain both hard and soft materials that combine to increase durability.

Lunar dust was a significant challenge during the Apollo missions, as lunar dust compromised equipment performance and posed health risks to astronauts.

In their grant proposal, the researchers state that “by ensuring critical equipment remains functional and durable in harsh lunar conditions, we aim to make space science, travel and exploration more effective, affordable and sustainable.”

By designing and fabricating innovative micro-/nano-hierarchical core-shell textures, Zou’s team aims to significantly reduce dust adhesion, ultimately enhancing the performance and durability of lunar infrastructure.

Zou noted that she would be responsible for designing and fabricating the textures of polymeric materials, while Meng will apply thin, hard coatings through atomic layer deposition to protect those materials. Zou will also evaluate the durability and dust repellency of the core-shell structures in a thermal vacuum environment to simulate lunar conditions.

The award comes as part of NASA’s Early Stage Innovations program. The goal is to identify potential dust-repellant textures that can later be fabricated on adhesive tapes for easy application to various surfaces. The research findings will guide the development of durable, low-maintenance surfaces for long-lasting lunar equipment, with broader applications for other dust-prone environments here on Earth. The ability to resist vacuum UV radiation and electrostatic environments might be incorporated into future textures as well.

Zou is a leader in nanoscale surface engineering, nanomechanics and nanotribology. Tribology is the study of friction, wear, lubrication and associated technologies. It involves exploring, understanding and improving the interaction of surfaces in relative motion. Zou was recently named a fellow in the National Academy of Inventors.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.