Collaborative Research: Multifunctional Nanocomposites with Reversible Switch and Controlled Release Surfaces

本研究是对表面开关和自清洁/释放机制的基础研究，并为制造基于纳米复合材料的可开关表面开发新的设计概念。在这个项目中，将创造出具有表面开关、自清洁和随需释放控制的新型多功能纳米材料。纳米复合材料及其表面动力学行为将在纳米尺度上进行定量表征。此外，还提出了原子和微观力学尺度上的多尺度模型来解释实验结果，并解决如何将纳米材料的物理、化学和结构特性转化为增强的开关性能。将建模和实验相结合，将纳米级现象与宏观性能联系起来。如果成功，这项研究的好处将包括对开关机制的基本理解，从而设计和开发具有更好实际意义的优化材料。该项目的成功还将推动其他各种应用，从简单的消费产品到具有表面切换和自清洁/释放特性的复杂技术系统。这种合作研究将影响科学界和工业界对一系列材料和表面技术的理解。该项目的主要研究成果是为下一代可切换表面的开发提供技术平台。此外，本科生和研究生都将接受新兴和跨学科研究方面的培训。研究和教育工作将通过会议演讲和学术出版物传播，这将有利于科学界和我们的社会。

Research Objective and Approach This research is a fundamental study on surface switching and self-cleaning/release mechanisms and the development of new design concepts for manufacturing nanocomposite-based switchable surfaces. In this project, new multifunctional nanomaterials with surface switching, self-cleaning and controlled release on demand will be created. The nanocomposite materials and the associated surface dynamic behavior will be characterized quantitatively at the nanoscale. In addition, a multiscale modeling at atomistic and micromechanics scales is proposed to interpret experimental results and to address how the physical, chemical and structural properties of nanomaterials can be translated into enhanced switching performance. The modeling and experiment will be integrated to link the nanoscale phenomena to macroscopic performance. Benefits to society If successful, the benefits of this research will include a fundamental understanding of switching mechanisms for the design and development of optimized materials with better performance of practical significance. The success of the project will also advance a large variety of other applications, ranging from simple consumer products to complex technological systems with surface switching and self-cleaning/release properties. This collaborative research effort will impact the scientific and industrial communities to understand an array of materials and surface technologies. The major research outcome of this project is a technical platform for the development of next generation switchable surfaces. Furthermore, both undergraduate and graduate students will be trained in emerging and interdisciplinary research. Research and education efforts will be disseminated through conference presentations and scholarly publications that will be beneficial to the scientific community and our society.