GOALI: Nanodesign and Efficient Processing of Boron Carbide Nanocomposites

本研究开发了新型镍纳米层包覆碳化硼（B4C/Ni）复合材料。B4C熔点高，硬度高，耐化学性好，密度低。然而，高熔点和高硬度使B4C很难加工，而且本质上脆。目前使用的热压价格昂贵，效率低下；B4C和其他添加剂的简单混合阻碍了期望的性能。该项目旨在建立系统理解和操作物质的框架，并将比目前的随机方法提供更多所需的特性和可加工性。颗粒基化学涂层为高温材料设计探索了新的方法；燃烧驱动压实工艺加速了超高压压实技术的应用和改进；B4C/Ni的无压烧结研究对于推进未开发的纳米层活化烧结具有很大的前景。B4C/Ni纳米复合材料在高温热电转换、中子吸收、刀具、轻量化结构材料等方面有着重要的应用。随着纳米涂层和高效制造技术的发展，许多难以加工的高温材料可以重新设计。该项目将为弗吉尼亚理工大学和工业界在纳米材料研究和开发方面建立联盟提供重要机会，以加速纳米技术向工业的转移。所提议的吸引大学教师、学生和工业科学家的活动将极大地促进美国制造业劳动力的发展。外展活动的目标是纳米技术的三个领域：工业纳米技术发展、女生工程学生的保留和高中纳米教育。

This research develops innovative nickel nanolayer coated boron carbide (B4C/Ni) composites. B4C has high melting point, high hardness, good chemical resistance, and low density. However, the high melting point and high hardness make B4C very difficult to process and intrinsically brittle. Currently used hot pressing is expensive and inefficient; simple mixing of B4C and other additives hampers the desired performances. This project is aimed at establishing the framework for systematic understanding and manuipulation of matter, and will deliver far more desired properties and processability than the current stochastic approach. The particle-based electroless coating explores new methodology in high temperature material design; the combustion driven compaction process accelerates the application and improvement of ultrahigh pressure compaction; and the pressureless sintering studies of B4C/Ni hold great promise for the advancement of the unexplored nanolayer activated-sintering. B4C/Ni nanocomposites have important applications in high temperature thermoelectric conversion, neutron absorption, cutting tools, and lightweight structural materials. With the knowledge gained on nano-coating and high-efficiency manufacturing, many hard-to-process high temperature materials can be re-designed. The program will provide important opportunities for Virginia Tech and industry to build alliance in nanomaterial research and development to accelerate nanotechnology transfer to industry. The proposed activities in engaging university faculty, students, and industry scientists will contribute greatly to enhancing U.S. manufacturing workforce. The outreach activities are targeted at three areas of nanotechnology: industry nanotechnology development, female engineering student retention, and high school nano-education.