Molecularly Intercalated Nanoflakes: A Supramolecular Alloy for Strong Energy Absorption

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This grant provides funding for research that will enable the manufacture of supramolecular synthetic alloys which will actively function as energy absorbent materials. Supramolecular alloys are a co-assembly of two or more functional molecules. Regulation of the co-assembly can afford the final alloys unique structural and mechanical properties. Planned experiments include the investigation of the intercalation (insertion) of small molecules to reconfigure the supramolecules for the desired properties. The evaluation of the mechanical response of the resulting materials to external energy input (load and heat) will also be performed. Molecular dynamics modeling will be used to reveal the influence of structure and interface parameters on energy absorption thus enabling material design. The project will focus on the fine-tuning of the 2D structures, regulating the interactions among the building blocks, as well as the accurate probing of the associated microscopic deformation mechanisms.The results of this research will lead to an in-depth understanding of the mechanical properties of highly ordered polymers or supramolecules. These materials could be used either as a stand-alone thin coating for structure/performance protection against dynamic loads or as an interface toughness/strength promoter in conventional polymer composites. In addition, design and manufacturing of a lightweight counterpart to metal alloys is advantageous to aerodynamic structures and polymer composites having stringent weight or processing requirements.