Description
Our work is aimed at characterization of nanostructured polymeric materials at multiple scale levels. Currently the focus of our work is nanotube-reinforced polymers (NRPs), the incorporation of small volume fractions of carbon nanotubes in polymers, although the methodology is applicable to other classes of nanostructured materials. We will assess fundamental issues of modeling materials at the nanoscale, in particular focusing on appropriate application of continuum-level models to nanostructures. We will also use a combination of continuum models, micromechanics and energetic concepts at the nanoscale level to bridge the gap between molecular dynamics and micromechanics. Improved interpretation of experimental results on carbon nanotubes will be addressed as a critical component of proper modeling of nanotubes dispersed in a polymeric matrix. Collaboration with experimentalists and limited experimental work on polymer films with nanotubes will also be included in our work.
A major component of the work will be development of an appropriate "nanomechanics" model for a dispersion of nanotubes in a polymer, allowing prediction of local and effective properties and evolution of stress and strain fields with loading. Issues such as nanotube shape (waviness), interconnectivity, alignment, interaction with micron-sized features, time-dependent behavior, and environmental effects will be examined in the context of the model. This work will lead toward a better understanding of the effect of and potential for nanoscale reinforcements in polymers and will ideally pave the way toward functionalization of materials at the nanoscale level toward use-specific applications.
Both molecular dynamic simulations and unconventional small scale experiments have begun to probe properties of materials at the nanoscale level, and initial results indicate great potential for radically improved materials via nanoscale material design and synthesis. One of the largest topics currently being investigated is that of carbon nanotubes both the properties of the nanotubes themselves and the possibility of incorporating them into the fabrication of larger scale materials, such as NRPs and composites. One can envision that use of carbon nanotubes as a reinforcing phase for a polymer has great potential to create a new type of composite with incredible properties. Some results suggest that polymer-nanotube composites can be made with excellent bonding between matrix and nanotubes. However, unless the nanoscale mechanisms are appropriately understood and coupled to micro and then macroscale response, the process of material design will be rather capricious. This new type of model will then enable better assessment of continuing experimental work in the area, as well as help to suggest ideal nanostructural designs for optimal mechanical response.
Our work is aimed at characterization of nanostructured polymeric materials at multiple scale levels. Currently the focus of our work is nanotube-reinforced polymers (NRPs), the incorporation of small volume fractions of carbon nanotubes in polymers, although the methodology is applicable to other classes of nanostructured materials. We will assess fundamental issues of modeling materials at the nanoscale, in particular focusing on appropriate application of continuum-level models to nanostructures. We will also use a combination of continuum models, micromechanics and energetic concepts at the nanoscale level to bridge the gap between molecular dynamics and micromechanics. Improved interpretation of experimental results on carbon nanotubes will be addressed as a critical component of proper modeling of nanotubes dispersed in a polymeric matrix. Collaboration with experimentalists and limited experimental work on polymer films with nanotubes will also be included in our work.
A major component of the work will be development of an appropriate "nanomechanics" model for a dispersion of nanotubes in a polymer, allowing prediction of local and effective properties and evolution of stress and strain fields with loading. Issues such as nanotube shape (waviness), interconnectivity, alignment, interaction with micron-sized features, time-dependent behavior, and environmental effects will be examined in the context of the model. This work will lead toward a better understanding of the effect of and potential for nanoscale reinforcements in polymers and will ideally pave the way toward functionalization of materials at the nanoscale level toward use-specific applications.
Both molecular dynamic simulations and unconventional small scale experiments have begun to probe properties of materials at the nanoscale level, and initial results indicate great potential for radically improved materials via nanoscale material design and synthesis. One of the largest topics currently being investigated is that of carbon nanotubes both the properties of the nanotubes themselves and the possibility of incorporating them into the fabrication of larger scale materials, such as NRPs and composites. One can envision that use of carbon nanotubes as a reinforcing phase for a polymer has great potential to create a new type of composite with incredible properties. Some results suggest that polymer-nanotube composites can be made with excellent bonding between matrix and nanotubes. However, unless the nanoscale mechanisms are appropriately understood and coupled to micro and then macroscale response, the process of material design will be rather capricious. This new type of model will then enable better assessment of continuing experimental work in the area, as well as help to suggest ideal nanostructural designs for optimal mechanical response.
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Last Updated: March 3, 2002
email:
f-fisher@northwestern.edu