Integrated Studies of Interfaces in Nanocomposites and Nanoimprinting

本计画的目的是研究奈米复合材料与奈米压印的基本界面摩擦机制，并发展新的设计概念。本论文将发展一种独特的方法来定量测量纳米增强金属/陶瓷纳米复合材料和金属纳米压印中的界面摩擦。目的是展示控制界面的原理，以实现坚固，坚韧的纳米复合材料和无润滑纳米压印技术。此外，在原子和微观力学尺度的多尺度建模将被开发来解释实验结果，并解决在纳米复合材料和纳米压印界面的重要问题。模型和实验工作将被整合，以确定在纳米尺度上的界面摩擦机制。研究结果将为测量纳米级界面摩擦提供通用方法，为材料开发提供设计指南，并为材料和工艺优化策略提供新概念。这项研究统一了两个高影响力的主题，纳米复合材料和纳米压印，通过一种创新的方法来研究对这两个主题至关重要的纳米界面。实验测量和理论分析的结合将有助于深入了解界面现象并揭示新的界面机制。我们的成功也将在应用方面产生一系列积极的进展，包括但不限于：用于航空航天下一代发动机的坚固，坚韧和轻质结构材料系统;用于MEMS组件和器件的多功能纳米材料以及环保制造。与拟开展的基础研究一起，开展配套教育计划，向研究生、本科生、高中生提供基础研究培训和教育机会。将作出特别努力，鼓励妇女和代表性不足的少数民族学生参加研究。

The objective of this project is to study the fundamental interfacial friction mechanisms and to develop new design concepts for both nanocomposites and nanoimprinting. A unique approach will be developed to quantitatively measure the interfacial friction in nanofiber reinforced metal/ceramic nanocomposites and in metal nanoimprinting. The aim is to demonstrate the principles of controlling the interfaces to achieve strong, tough nanocomposites, and non-lubricated nanoimprinting technology. In addition, a multiscale modeling at atomistic and micromechanics scales will be developed to interpret experimental results and address important questions on the interfaces in nanocomposites and nanoimprinting. The modeling and experimental work will be integrated to determine the interfacial friction mechanisms at nanoscale. The research results will provide a generic methodology for measuring the interfacial friction at the nanoscale, design guidelines for material development, and new concepts for material and process optimization strategies. This research unifies two high-impact themes, nanocomposites and nanoimprinting, by an innovative methodology created for studying nanoscale interfaces critical to both themes. The integration of experimental measurement and theoretical analysis on the interfaces will offer insight into the interfacial phenomena and uncover new interfacial mechanisms. Our success will also generate a series of positive advances on applications, including but not limited to: strong, tough and light-weight structural material systems for next-generation engines in the aerospace; multifunctional nanomaterials for MEMS components and devices, and environmentally-friendly manufacturing. Together with the proposed basic research, a matching education program will be carried out, which will provide basic research training and education opportunities to graduate students, undergraduate students and high school students. Special effort will be made to encourage women and under-represented minority students to participate in the research.