Collaborative Research: Development of Multifunctional Nanocomposites with Engineered Carbon Nanopaper

该合作研究项目的目标是探索利用碳纳米管/纳米纤维为基础的纳米纸制造的独特概念，并实现这种纳米复合材料的多功能，改善结构阻尼，导热性和阻燃性。该项目的方法包括在良好控制的加工条件下，通过过滤分散良好的碳纳米管和碳纳米纤维来制造碳纳米纸。利用改良的复合材料制造工艺将碳纳米纸集成到层压板中。过程分析将使用多尺度和多物理场建模技术进行，试图优化碳纳米纸和纳米复合材料的质量。两个精心挑选的试验台将用于该技术的概念验证。本项目的基础研究将有助于理解多功能纳米复合材料的加工-形态-性能关系以及混杂增强材料中聚合物的输运。该研究将通过推进碳纳米纸和多功能纳米复合材料的加工科学，对纳米制造产生重大影响。碳纳米纸提供了许多潜在的应用，包括结构复合材料、电子、散热器和燃料电池。如果成功，这项研究将开发出具有改进的热机械和结构阻尼性能的轻质复合材料，用于空间、航空航天和士兵防护装备。该研究将提高纳米复合材料的导热性和阻燃性，在船舶和海洋结构等领域具有广泛的应用前景。这项研究涉及材料科学和机械工程之间的跨学科合作。此外，这项创新研究还将通过纳米复合材料教育工具包和纳米复合材料新课程模块，使两所合作大学（南阿拉巴马大学和休斯顿大学）的本科和研究生教育受益。这项研究还将纳入两所大学的少数族裔项目、女性工程项目和外展项目。

The objective of this collaborative research project is to explore a unique concept of manufacturing using carbon nanotube/nanofiber based nanopapers and achieve the multifunctionalities of such nanocomposites with improved structural damping, thermal conductivity, and fire retardancy. This project's approach involves making carbon nanopapers by the filtration of well-dispersed carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers under well-controlled processing conditions. The carbon nanopapers are integrated into laminates using modified composites manufacturing processes. Process analysis will be conducted using multi-scale and multi-physics modeling techniques in an attempt to optimize the quality of carbon nanopapers and nanocomposites. Two carefully selected test beds will be utilized for the proof-of-concept of this technology. Fundamental research in the project will contribute to the understanding of the processing-morphology-property relationship of multifunctional nanocomposites and polymer transport in the hybrid reinforcements.This research will have a major impact on nanomanufacturing through advancing processing science of carbon nanopapers and multifunctional nanocomposites. The carbon nanopaper offers numerous potential applications including structural composites, electronics, heat sinks, and fuel cells. If successful, this research will develop light-weight composites with improved thermo-mechanical and structural damping properties for potential applications in space, aerospace, and soldier protection equipment. This research will enhance the thermal conductivity and fire retardancy of nanocomposites, which can enable many potential applications such as ship and offshore structures. This research involves strong interdisciplinary collaboration between materials science and mechanical engineering. In addition, the innovative research will also benefit undergraduate and graduate education at the two collaborating universities (University of South Alabama and University of Houston) through the Nanocomposites Educational Kits and new course modules on nanocomposite materials. This research will also be integrated into minority programs, women engineering programs, and outreach programs at both universities.