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热导率测试仪来加强德克萨斯大学泛美分校（UTPA）研究计划的发展。这项研究计划将有助于基本了解纳米增强聚合物复合材料的工程应用。 项目研究将集中于通过传统塑料加工技术制备的复合材料的工艺-结构-性能关系。 研究将调查钢筋处理，分散和水泥-基质相互作用。 纳米增强体对材料的形态、力学、热学、电学和流变学性能的影响对于多功能材料的开发具有重要意义。除了挤出成型、注塑成型、纤维拉伸等传统制造技术外，还将采用快速成型等先进制造技术。UTPA长期以来一直被认为是为少数民族服务的教学机构，目前正在推动教师研究，鼓励本科生从事科学和工程领域的职业，并将研究生培养为地区产业的领导者。 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。 所要求的仪器的收购也将增加UTPA科学和工程系教师的研究机会。 最后，这些仪器将促进与小企业的合作研究，以及与格兰德河谷当地制造实体的培训计划，其中一个重要部分是致力于聚合物行业。

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.