The major objective of this study is to develop an inexpensive, ecologically sound, high-performance, cementlike construction material ?geopolymeric hybrid composite through nanoengineering the fly ash particles. This new material consists of fly ash based geopolymer matrix and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To avoid the difficulty of dispersing CNTs, CNTs will be directly grown on the surfaces of fly ash using a novel microwave irradiation method. The cost of CNTs produced by this method is estimated much lower than any other existing methods. A comprehensive testing plan using advanced analytical instruments will be carried out to exam the interaction between nanotubes and the geopolymeric matrix, the reaction kinetics, and the multi-functionality of the new material. This research will be conducted through the close collaboration between two major research universities in Alabama, the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Auburn University will focus on the development of microwave irradiation method. The University of Alabama will manufacture and characterize the proposed new materials.
The proposed work, if succeeds, will generate significant social, economic and environmental benefits. This novel green material meets the requirements of sustainable construction materials with low carbon dioxide emission, long service-life and efficient energy consumption. PIs also propose an aggressive educational plan designed to be complementary to the research activities with focus on recruiting a diverse group of traditionally underrepresented (female, minority and/or socio-economically disadvantaged) students to participate in the proposed activities in close collaboration with HBCUs in Alabama and ALEPSCoR. Results of the proposed research will be widely disseminated.
" has been focusing on the study of large-scale manufacturing of nanomaterials for low-cost engineering composites, using energy-efficient microwave approach. The supported project will benefit not only fundamental researches in nanomanufacturing, structural properties of the materials, but also technologies in composites and energy related industries. During the period of this award, three graduate students and three undergraduate students have been involved in this project. With the support of this award, one student received PhD degree and two received master’s degrees in Polymer and Fiber Engineering. All of the students received the most up-to-date training in science and engineering, i.e., materials synthesis, characterization, data analysis and technical writing. Most of them have their first-ever scientific journal publications related to the supported project. The supported research activities have opened a new direction in manufacturing of nanomaterials, well disseminated and recognized in the scientific society. The related research resulted in eleven peer-reviewed journal publications and eight conference presentations during the four year period. The paper entitled "Poptube approach for ultrafast carbon nanotube growth (Chem. Commun., 2011, 47, 9912–9914)" was highlighted by Nature, Chemical & Engineering News, and few other publications in Science and Engineering fields. This award established a platform for scientific research, which could also benefit the community in terms of development in novel technologies. One US patent developed from this project is pending for approval, and the investigators have founded a start-up company to manufacture nanocomposites based on the patent-pending technology. The start-up company has been selected as one of the three finalists for the business plan competition in Alabama Launchpad-2013.
