Development of Zirconium Carbide and superior high temperature ceramics for nuclear fission applications.

NASA is seeking a sole‑source partner to develop zirconium carbide (ZrC) and related ultra‑high‑temperature ceramic composites for nuclear‑fission applications, using Field‑Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST). The effort is limited to a three‑month Phase 1 effort that will produce ten 40 mm‑diameter by 5 mm‑thick ZrC discs, which will be shipped to NASA Langley for hydrogen‑corrosion testing. The vendor must procure ZrC powder, define FAST processing parameters, fabricate the discs, characterize them, and deliver the hardware to NASA. The work supports NASA’s Ignition Initiative and broader lunar and LEO nuclear‑thermal propulsion goals. • Define and validate FAST sintering parameters for ZrC to achieve target density and microstructure. • Manufacture and ship ten (10) ZrC test coupons (≈40 mm Ø × 5 mm thick) to NASA Langley. • Perform material characterization and provide test data supporting hydrogen‑corrosion evaluation.