Researchers at the Center for Advanced Materials at Tuskegee University (T-CAM) have infused nanoclays, nanotubes, and nanoparticles with various polymers to manufacture structural composites enhancing the strength and stiffness of these nanocomposites. In order to enhance understanding of the strengthening phenomena, Tuskegee University will investigate several aspects of the fundamental science of particle-polymer interaction and failure of structural nanocomposites using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM).
National Science Foundation support will be directed primarily towards acquiring a Transmission Electron Microscope to enhance the quality of on-going research. Research activities include probing the degree of dispersion, size, shape, and alignment of particles and interfaces between the particle and the polymer in the resulting nanocomposites. Thrust areas for research are cure and relaxation behavior of polymer nanocomposites and structural nanocomposites.
The intellectual merit of this proposal lies in the fundamental studies of nanocomposites at the molecular level in determining the bonding effect between the particle and the polymer and investigation of the structure-property relationship at the nanometer level using a TEM. Successful completion of these investigations will lead to the development of a new generation of structural nanocomposites based on a firm scientific foundation.
T-CAM houses Tuskegee University's Ph.D. program in Materials Science and Engineering. A large number of African American graduates, many at the Ph.D. level, will be produced in an emerging area of materials science and engineering with skills in using TEM. These graduates will help bring much-needed diversity to the nation's advanced technological workforce. Undergraduate and graduate students will also participate in material research using the TEM.
