Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31600: Polymers in Space: Investigating Latex Coalescence in Microgravity

Latex polymers are widely used in everyday items like paints, coatings, and adhesives. But what happens to these materials when they are removed from Earth's gravitational environment? That was the question behind the NanoRacks-Minnehaha Christian Academy experiment on the coalescence (or merging) of water-based latex polymers in microgravity.

This student-led experiment, flown aboard Expeditions 33/34 and 35/36 on the International Space Station (ISS), sought to explore how tiny latex particles come together to form a continuous film in the absence of gravity. This process is critical in industries like coatings and biomedical devices.

Coalescence is driven by several factors on Earth—gravity, surface tension, and temperature among them. In microgravity, gravity is essentially removed, allowing researchers to study the more subtle forces at play.

The students prepared samples of water-based latex polymers and used NanoRacks technology to transport them to the ISS. Once in space, astronauts activated the samples, and the polymer particles began to interact.

Why is this important? Here's what we can learn:

1. Better Materials: Understanding polymer behavior in microgravity can help create more durable and efficient materials.

2. Biomedical Advances: Polymers are used in drug delivery systems and medical devices. Space studies could lead to better healthcare solutions.

3. Manufacturing Innovation: Space-based polymer processing could lead to unique materials not achievable on Earth.

The results revealed unique patterns of coalescence not seen in Earth-based studies. For instance, without gravity pulling down on the materials, the latex particles spread and merged differently, potentially creating stronger bonds or more uniform films.

This experiment demonstrates how a simple classroom idea can lead to real scientific discovery. It highlights the value of giving students hands-on experiences in science, particularly in environments as unique and challenging as space.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

https://learn.agnirva.com/course/the-agnirva-space-internship-program/

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.