Synthesis and Nanomechanical Properties of Crystalline Boron-based Nanofilaments

该研究奖项的目标是合成细小细长的硼基材料(纳米纤维)，并测量它们的电学、光学和机械性能。纳米纤维将在受控条件下通过使用激光提供的能量在特殊大气中沉积材料来产生。随后对纳米纤维进行的实验将确定各种特性，包括它们的大小、形状、电阻和机械强度。该程序的一个独特特点是，将确定纳米细丝在变形时性质的变化。该计划的成果包括确定制造特定类型纳米纤维的工艺条件，以及它们的机械、电气和光学特性。此外，研究人员将记录他们的结果，教育工程专业的学生，并通过夏令营向高中生介绍纳米科学。如果成功，这个奖项将为新一代纳米设备和复合材料提供基础。所得材料的物理性能优于传统的硼丝，更易于在复合材料中使用。潜在的应用包括用于手机外壳、电磁屏蔽和航空航天结构的超轻和导电复合材料。研究结果将被传播，以促进将这些材料引入现有和新的商业产品。参与该项目的本科生、研究生和博士后学生将从课堂教学和研究过程中受益。此外，高中生还将参加一个暑期项目，该项目将给他们提供实践经验，提高他们对科学和技术职业的兴趣。

The objectives of this research award are to synthesize tiny, slender pieces of boron-based materials (nanofilaments) and to measure their electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. The nanofilaments will be created under controlled conditions by depositing materials in special atmospheres using energy provided by a laser. Subsequent experiments conducted on the nanofilaments will determine a variety of properties including their size, shape, electrical resistance, and mechanical strength. A unique feature of this program is that the changes in the properties of the nanofilaments when they are deformed will be determined. The deliverables for this program include the identification of the processing conditions that create particular kinds of nanofilaments, and their mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. Additionally, the researchers will document their results, educate engineering students, and introduce high school students to nanoscience through a summer camp.If successful, this award will provide the basis for a new generation of nanoenabled devices and composites. The resulting materials could have physical properties superior to traditional boron filaments and will be easier to use in composites. Potential applications include ultralight and conductive composites for cell phone housings, electromagnetic shielding, and aerospace structures. The results of the research will be disseminated to facilitate the introduction of these materials into both existing and new commercial products. Undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students involved with the program will benefit from classroom instruction and the research process. Additionally, high school students will participate in a summer program that will give them a hands-on experience that will heighten their interest in the sciences and technical careers.