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

这项早期概念探索性研究资助 (EAGER) 合作研究奖的研究目标是测试这样的假设：连续介质力学定律在熔融铜的微井中成立，当单壁碳纳米管被引入微井时，由于其高纵横比，它们将遵循流体流线并在凝固时保持这种排列。这种纳米管/铜复合材料的机械性能受到铜基体中纳米管排列的严重影响。实现这一目标的方法是采用高亮度激光在铜基板上创建直径 50 微米、深 200 微米的熔井，然后将纳米管引入微井中。通过计算机模拟表明，激光诱导微井中存在垂直层流模式。将检查复合材料的微观结构，以确定垂直排列的完成情况。如果成功，这项研究的好处将包括使铜合金能够用于许多需要高机械强度以及高电导率和导热率的应用中。对于价值 650 亿美元的模具制造行业来说，这是一个潜在的变革性利益。采用纳米复合材料制造模具将简化制造过程，缩短交货时间，延长模具寿命，并培养新的模具制造人员队伍。

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.