Impregnated Inorganic Nanoparticles at the Natrual Fiber-Thermoplastic Polymer Interface

该奖项的研究目标是考察沉积在天然纤维表面的无机纳米颗粒对改善纤维与聚合物之间的界面相容性，减少天然纤维-聚合物复合材料的制造缺陷的作用。 本研究将为深入了解无机纳米粒子在纤维素纤维中的作用及其对复合材料性能的增强提供理论依据。 先进的工具和技术，如X射线计算机断层扫描，透射电子显微镜，X射线光电子能谱，原子力显微镜和接触角分析将被用来确定空隙空间和纳米粒子分布，纤维表面性能表征方面的表面能极性和非极性成分，化学成分，表面形态和形貌，结晶层和成核研究。 通过分子动力学（MD）模拟的数值模拟将进行阐明的功能的纳米粒子在纤维和聚合物基体的界面。 这些问题包括无机纳米粒子浸渍的最佳工艺、天然纤维纳米复合材料的性能增强以及无机纳米粒子浸渍工艺改善界面结合的机理。如果成功，本研究结果将阐明沉积在纤维表面的纳米相对纤维增强聚合物复合材料界面相容性的改善作用，从而为纳米粒子浸渍技术在纤维增强复合材料中应用的工艺参数优化提供指导。 博士后研究员，研究生和本科生将受益于实验室练习和课堂教学。

The research objective of this award is to examine the functions of the inorganic nanoparticles deposited on the natural fiber surface for the improvement of the interfacial compatibility between the fiber and polymer, and reduction of the manufacture defects for natural fiber-polymer composites. The research will result in fundamental understanding on the efficiency and roles of impregnated inorganic nanoparticles in the cellulosic fibers on the property enhancement of composites. Advanced tools and techniques, such as X-ray computer tomography scanning, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and contact angle analysis will be employed to determine the void space and nanoparticle distribution, fiber surface property characterization in terms of the surface energy polar and non-polar components, chemical components, surface morphology and topography, crystalline layer and nucleation study. Numerical simulations through molecular dynamics (MD) modeling will be conducted to elucidate the functions of the nanoparticles at the interphase of the fibers and polymer matrices. Deliverables include an optimum process for the inorganic nanoparticle impregnation, property enhancement of the natural fiber nanocomposites, and the mechanism for the improvement of interfacial bonding from the inorganic nanoparticle impregnation process. If successful, the results of this research will elucidate the functions of nanophase deposited on the fiber surface on the improvement of the interfacial compatibility for the fiber reinforced polymer composites, so that it will provide guidance to optimize processing parameters of using the nanopaticle impregnation technology in the fiber reinforced composites. Post-doctorate fellows, graduate and undergraduate students will benefit through lab exercise and classroom instruction.