1. Alternate Polymer Foams for Laser IFE Targets W.P. Steckle, Jr., A.M. Schwendt, and A. Nobile Los Alamos National Laboratory Polymer and Coatings Group, MST-7, MS E549 Los Alamos, NM 87545

2. Task Goals Potential alternate systems being considered Injection molding Other foam systems - some contain nitrogen and oxygen, so these are lower priority Alternative initiators - UV/photoinitiators FY01 Deliverable: Report that provides a review of foam chemistries and technologies that have potential for fabrication of IFE foam targets that can be scaled up Task 3.5.2: Evaluate alternative systems for foam shells that have the potential to meet specifications ($75k LANL)

3. Foams Currently Used in ICF Targets

4. Example: Foam injection molding is being considered Close control of target specifications  out of round  wall variation  outside diameter  skin on foam  Process simplifications possible  Mature industrial technology available Bonding of hemishells with acceptable defects Removal/elimination of “nub” from injection mold process Mold design Precision fabrication of molds Process for skin and surface finish Injection Molding Advantages Issues

5. Current Injection Molding Technology has Advanced Considerably in the Recent Past MuCell™ Microcellular Injection Molding Trexel Inc. mold Density: 30 - 900 mg/cc Pore size: 1 - 50 µm

6. Summary Task 3.5.2 (Alternate Foam Systems) will investigate alternative foam chemistries and technologies that could be of potential use in laser IFE targets The FY01 deliverable for this task will be a report reviewing foam systems that have potential for fabrication of IFE targets