NSF/Sandia: Thermo-Mechanically Enhanced Interfaces

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This NSF/Sandia project addresses fundamental materials and modeling issues for developing multifunctional nanocomposites using carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement for engineering applications. A multiscale modeling approach is proposed to predict thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of (CNT)-epoxy composites. The project also addresses the fabrication and testing of composites with CNTs dispersed using different covalent bond functionalizations with affinities to ceramic and polymeric composite substrates to establish the necessary tools and knowledge to develop and validate multiscale models of multifunctional nanocomposites. The intellectual merit of this effort resides in the production of novel adhesion layers for microelectronic devices and in the advancement of an innovative design paradigm where placement of materials is optimized per application at the nano and micro scales. The investigation is focused on CNT nanocomposites, however, resulting methodologies will be generally applicable to a variety of nanoinclusions such as nanofibers, nanospheres, and nanoclays.The broader impacts of this research project revolve around the technology of the semiconductor industry concerning the development of micro-circuitry, MEMS and NEMS which find prospective applications as pressure sensors, inertial sensors, chemical microsensors, optical sensors, power MEMS, and data storage devices. Research findings will also be used in training students and in undergraduate senior design and technical elective courses.