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Effects of thermal cycle and irradiation on mechanical proreties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and adhesives were experimentally investigated. The IM-6/6376, toughened epoxy composite and T800/PMR-15, heat-resistant polyimide composite, and typical nine types of epoxy adhesives were selected as candidate sturctural materials for the future space applications. These materials were subjected to up to 10 MGy irradiation and/or 3000 thermal cycle (-100 °C to 100 °C) which simulates the space environment. After these conditionings, specimens were mechanicaly tested over the temperature range of -100 °C to 100 °C. The results were that the IM-6/6376 was not affected by irradiation and/or thermal cycle. this material showed essentially good overall durability performance in space environments. T-800/PMR-15 was not affected by irradiation this material showed good durability against radiation. The other hands, the adhesives was greatly affected by irradiation and/or thermal cycle.

We have developed a revolutionary automotive catalyst that maintains high activity by the suppression of grain growth of precious metals. This catalyst contains Pd-perovskite crystal which has shown a capacity for self-regeneration of Pd in a cycle of solid solution and segregation in perovskite crystals [1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6]. We named this catalyst the “Intelligent Catalyst” and first commercialized it in the Japanese market in October 2002 [7, 8]. In this study, we investigated the activity of Pd at various temperatures to confirm that the self-regenerative mechanism worked well at low temperatures like those right after engine starting. We also examined the durability of perovskite structure at high temperatures and tested its catalytic activity after engine aging at high temperatures above 1000 °C up to 1100 °C. It is proved that the intelligent catalyst has both excellent activity and durability under practical conditions.

We have already reported that a LaFeCoPdO3 perovskite catalyst has the function for self-regeneration of Pd [1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6]. But cobalt was recognized as an environmental burden. In order to prepare for its practical application, we examined the composition of perovskite without cobalt. In this paper, we have investigated the catalytic activity, the structural durability and the regenerative ability of Co-free perovskites LaFePdO3, in comparison with LaFeCoPdO3 and Pd/Al2O3. As a result, the structural durability of LaFePdO3 is high, and the light-off performance is excellent even after aging. “Co-free Intelligent Catalyst” is regarded as the next technology for practical use especially as it is efficient in the reduction of emissions at cold starting.