Microlayer Polymeric Composites

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Numerous examples illustrate how coextrusion of polymeric film with three or more layers is economically used to achieve a desirable mix of end-use characteristics. The recent development of layer- multiplying devices permits continuous processing of sheet or film with hundreds or thousands of alternating layers of two or more polymers and creates new opportunities for coextrusion technology. Motivated by the need for new processing technologies for creating engineered microstructures of incompatible polymers, a research program will be developed to study the unique advantages that can be achieved with this versatile process. New phenomena are expected as the layer thickness is decreased from the macroscale (tens of microns) to the microscale (several microns) and finally to the nanoscale (tens of nanometers). The complex behavior of these composite systems will be analyzed in terms of interactive hierarchical levels of structure with particular regard to effects of layer thickness and adhesion between layers. The potential for enhanced mechanically properties is only one possibility; the feasibility of creating film and sheet materials with multiple functions, including unusual optical or electronic properties, seems possible. This grant is jointly funded by the Divisions of Materials Research and of Mechanical and Structural Systems.