Sean Kshitij Mehra
Jericho , NY
Age 17
Jeffrey Reitman
Jericho , NY
Age 17
This idea consists of two patentable inventions based on the same general scientific concept. Both inventions involve the incorporation of nanoscale particles into polymer matrices to chemically and physically enhance the polymer's mechanical properties for improved commercial applications. The first invention successfully created and tested an optimal space lubricant that is resistant to the destabilizing effects of microgravity - a revolutionary improvement on today's space lubricants that may help ensure a greater level of safety on future NASA space missions. The second invention involves incorporating gold nanoparticles into the nanolithographic polymer mask, which reinforces the polymer and prevents it from losing its structural resolution at extremely small scales. The invention of this process, incorporating nanoparticles for improved nanolithographic procedures, will make it possible to produce smaller and faster computer chips and extend the boundaries of computer chip manufacturing.