Filler-Induced Modulation of Texture Evolution in Block Copolymer Blend Materials

本研究计划的目的是了解均聚物和电解质添加剂对嵌段共聚物材料织构形成的影响，并确定填料颗粒形状对嵌段共聚物/纳米颗粒共混物织构形成的影响。具体来说，该计划将解决以下问题：(1)焓相互作用对均聚填料的晶界偏析过程的意义是什么？焓相互作用如何影响填料组分稳定晶界结构的能力？(2)填料种类对晶界形成过程的影响在多大程度上符合普遍规律？(3)是否有可能通过添加具有缺陷几何匹配晶体形状的填充颗粒来选择性地稳定特定的晶界结构？晶界辨别对嵌段共聚物/纳米颗粒共混物的织构演变有何影响？最终，该项目旨在为未来合理设计嵌段共聚物纳米复合材料的知识库做出贡献，这些材料具有定制性能，与一系列变革性技术应用相关，从微加工或光学涂层到能量存储和转换材料。拟议的研究将涉及实验和表征技术，这是对卡内基梅隆大学现有技术的补充，这将有利于匹兹堡地区更广泛的聚合物社区。本提案的目的是了解控制嵌段共聚物-杂化材料结构形成的控制参数。这些材料能够自组织成一个功能纳米结构的层次结构，从下一代锂离子电池的聚合物膜到高性能聚合物光伏材料的应用都与技术相关。该项目的具体目标是开发控制这些纳米结构中缺陷形成的工艺，这是未来嵌段共聚物杂化材料技术开发的关键要求。该计划将加强两个高分子课程的教学，并为高分子和纳米材料关键领域的一名研究生和几名本科生研究人员提供培训。与佛罗里达农工大学（Florida a&m University）的研究人员正在进行的合作将被用来提高少数族裔学生在该项目中的参与度。凭借客座讲座和演示的特定主题？纳米材料?该项目将进一步旨在激励匹兹堡东自由学区的中学生和高中生在STEM相关领域接受高等教育。

TECHNICAL The objective of the proposed research program is to understand the implications of homopolymer and electrolyte additives on the texture formation in block copolymer materials, and to establish the effect of filler particle shape on texture formation in block copolymer/nanoparticle blends. Specifically, this program will address the following questions: (1) What is the significance of enthalpic interactions on the grain boundary segregation process of homopolymer fillers and how does enthalpic interaction affect the capacity of a filler component to stabilize grain boundary structures? (2) To what extent does the effect of filler species on the grain boundary formation process obey universal principles? (3) Is it possible to selectively stabilize particular grain boundary structures by addition of filler particles that exhibit defect geometry-matched crystal shapes and what is the implication of grain boundary discrimination on the texture evolution of block copolymer/nanoparticle blends? Ultimately, this program aims to contribute to the knowledge-base that will be critical for the future rational design of block copolymer nanocomposite materials with tailored properties that are relevant to a host of transformative technology applications ranging from microfabrication or optical coatings to materials for energy storage and conversion. The proposed research will involve experimental and characterization techniques that are complementary to existing techniques at Carnegie Mellon University and that will be beneficial to the wider polymer community in the Pittsburgh area.NON-TECHNICAL The aim of this proposal is to understand the governing parameters that control structure formation in block copolymer-hybrid materials. These are materials that are capable of the self-organization into a hierarchy of functional nanostructures that are of technological relevance in applications ranging from polymer membranes for next-generation lithium ion batteries to high-performance polymer photovoltaic materials. The particular goal of this project is to develop processes to control the formation of defects in these nanostructures, a key requirement for the future technological exploitation of block copolymer hybrid materials. The program will enhance the teaching of two polymer classes and provide training for one graduate and several undergraduate researchers in the critical area of polymer and nanoscale materials. Ongoing collaborations with researchers at Florida A&M University will be leveraged to enhance participation of minority students within the program. By virtue of guest lectures and demonstrations on the particular topic of ?Nanostructured Materials? this project will furthermore aim to stimulate students of middle and high schools in the East Liberty School district of Pittsburgh to pursue higher education in STEM related areas.