EAGER/Collaborative Research: Nanocomposite Copper Tooling for Faster Cycle and Improved Precision in Plastic Molding - Proof of Concept

这个早期概念赠款探索性研究（EAGER）合作研究奖的研究目标是测试假设，即连续介质力学的法律保持在熔融铜的微孔内，这样，当单壁碳纳米管被引入到微孔中时，由于它们的高纵横比，它们将遵循流体流线并在凝固时坚持这种对齐。这种纳米管/铜复合材料的机械性能受到纳米管在铜基体中的排列的严重影响。实现这一目标的方法将是采用高亮度激光器在铜衬底上产生直径为50微米、深为200微米的熔池，然后将纳米管引入到微孔中。计算机模拟结果表明，在激光诱导的微阱中存在垂直层流流型。将对复合材料的微观结构进行检查，以确定垂直对齐的完成情况。如果成功，这项研究的好处将包括使技术能够使铜合金用于许多需要高机械强度与高导电性和导热性相结合的应用。一个潜在的变革性好处是为650亿美元的模具和模具制造行业。由纳米复合材料制成的模具将简化制造过程，缩短交货时间，延长模具寿命，并创造新的模具制造工人队伍。

The research objective of this EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) collaborative research award is to test the hypothesis that the laws of continuum mechanics hold inside a micro-well of molten copper such that, when Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes are introduced into the micro-well, because of their high aspect ratio they will follow the fluid streamline and cling to this alignment upon solidification. The mechanical properties of this nanotube/copper composite are critically influenced by the alignment of the nanotubes in the Copper matrix. The approach to achieving this objective will be to employ a high brightness laser for creating a molten well of 50 micron diameter and 200 micron deep on a copper substrate and then introduce the nanotubes into the micro-well. It has been shown through computer simulation that there exists a vertical laminar flow pattern in the laser-induced micro-well. The microstructure of the composite will be examined to determine how well the vertical alignment is accomplished.If successful, the benefits of this research will include enabling technologies to allow copper alloys to be used in a number of applications that require high mechanical strength in combination with high electrical and thermal conductivities. A potentially transformative benefit is for the $65 billion die and mold making industry. Building dies and molds enforced by the nanocomposite will simplify the manufacturing process, reduce the lead time, prolong die life, and create a new workforce of die and mold makers.