Synthesis and Nanomechanical Properties of Crystalline Boron-based Nanofilaments

这项研究的目标是合成微小的、细长的硼基材料（纳米纤维丝），并测量它们的电学、光学和机械性能。利用激光提供的能量，将材料沉积在特殊的环境中，在受控条件下制造纳米纤维丝。对纳米纤维丝进行的后续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。该程序的一个独特之处在于，当纳米细丝变形时，其性质的变化将被确定。该项目的成果包括确定产生特定种类纳米丝的加工条件，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，该奖项将为新一代纳米器件和复合材料提供基础。由此产生的材料可能具有优于传统硼丝的物理性能，并且更容易用于复合材料。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。将传播研究结果，以促进将这些材料引入现有的和新的商业产品。参与该计划的本科生、研究生和博士后将受益于课堂教学和研究过程。此外，高中生将参加一个暑期项目，这将给他们一个实践经验，这将提高他们对科学和技术事业的兴趣。

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.