Acquisition of Instrumentation for Nanoreinforced Polymer Composite Research

主要研究仪器支持将通过获得扭矩流变仪，动态机械流变仪和电导率和导热测试仪来加强德克萨斯大学PanAm （UTPA）研究项目的发展。该研究项目将有助于对纳米增强聚合物复合材料工程应用的基本理解。项目研究将集中在传统塑料加工技术制备的复合材料的工艺-结构-性能关系上。研究将调查强化处理，分散和强化-矩阵相互作用。纳米增强材料的形态、力学、热学、电学和流变性能对多功能材料的发展具有重要意义。传统的制造技术，如挤压、注射成型和纤维拉伸，以及先进的制造技术，如快速成型将被采用。长期以来，犹他大学一直被认为是一所服务于代表性不足的少数民族的教学机构，它正在推动教师研究，鼓励本科生从事科学和工程方面的职业，并将研究生培养成地区行业的领导者。大多数聚合物工程项目将涉及UTPA的本科生，其中85%是西班牙裔，在技术研究方面的经验有限。获得所要求的仪器也将增加UTPA科学和工程部门的教师的研究机会。最后，这些仪器将促进与小型企业的合作研究，以及与里约热内卢格兰德谷当地制造实体的培训计划，其中一个重要部分致力于聚合物工业。

Major Research Instrumentation support will enhance the development of a research program at The University of Texas PanAm (UTPA) by acquiring a Torque Rheometer, a Dynamic Mechanical Rheometer and an Electrical and Thermal conductivity tester. This research program will contribute to fundamental understanding of nanoreinforced polymer composites for engineering applications. Project studies will focus on process-structure-property relationships for composites prepared by conventional plastic processing technologies. Studies will investigate reinforcement handling, dispersion, and reinforcement-matrix interactions. Effects of the nanoreinforcement on the morphological, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and rheological properties will be of significant importance for the development of multifunctional materials. Conventional manufacturing technologies such as extrusion, injection molding, and fiber drawing will be employed as well as advanced manufacturing technologies such as rapid prototyping.UTPA, long respected as a teaching institution serving underrepresented minorities, is promoting faculty research that will encourage undergraduates to pursue careers in science and engineering and train graduate students as leaders in regional industries. Most of the polymer engineering projects will involve UTPA's undergraduates, 85 percent of whom are Hispanic and have had limited experience with technical research. The acquisition of the requested instruments will also increase research opportunities for faculty from science and engineering departments at UTPA. Finally, the instruments will foster collaborative research with small businesses as well as, training programs with the Rio Grande Valley's local manufacturing entities, an important segment of which is dedicated to the polymer industry.