Projects

NSF Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Teams (NIRT)

 

Interphase Design for Extraordinary Nanocomposites:

Multiscale Modeling and Characterization

Title: fiber pullout and toughness in nanocomposites

Cate Brinson, Grace Chen

In nanoreinforced polymers, nanotubes are typically curved and entangled as opposed to the straight, parallel fibers in traditional composites. In this project, we examine the effect of nanotube curvature and its relationship to composite properties of interest such as toughness.

Title: Control of the interface conditioned and NT morphology and the ability to measure micromechanical response of nanocomposites

Linda Schadler, Renee Duncan

Pull-out testing on metal-MWNT-polymer samples is used to determine the interfacial shear strength by controlling of the radius of curvature of the MWNTs. TEM analysis would give an indication as to the role of the MWNT morphology in the causes of fracture within the composite.