For some people, the best part about buying a new car is its
factory-fresh new car smell, a distinctive aroma created when
the chemicals and residual solvents used to manufacture
dashboards, car seats, carpeting and other vehicle appointments
outgas and fill the cabin. While the scent may be alluring to
some, many researchers believe exposure to these gases isn't
particularly healthy — so unhealthy, in fact, that some
recommend that drivers keep their new cars ventilated while
driving. Outgassed solvents, epoxies, lubricants, and other
materials aren't especially wholesome for contamination-
sensitive telescope mirrors, thermal-control units, high-voltage
electronic boxes, cryogenic instruments, detectors and solar
arrays, either. As a result, NASA engineers are always looking
for new techniques to prevent these gases from adhering to
instrument and spacecraft surfaces and potentially shortening
their lives. A group of technologists has created a low-cost,
easy-to-apply solution, which is more effective than c