Precision nanocomposites for smart surfaces and materials

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This proposed equipment will be used to homogeneously disperse nanoparticles within polymer matrices for the production of new composites for microfabrication. Reliable production of magnetic and electrically functional composites is very important as a means to improve multiple micro-manufacturing technologies such as micromolding, micro contact printing and reel-to-reel fabrication. These technologies adapt the best of silicon based microfabrication techniques, with the generally lower costs and more versatile fabrication tools available with polymers. Because most polymers are electrically insulating, few sensors or actuators can be produced using these materials. By adding nanoparticles to the bulk material, plastics and polymers can be directly connected with integrated systems for flexible circuits, tactile sensors, and stretchable electronics. One of the greatest challenges for these composite based microstructures however is the difficulty in achieving homogeneous nanoparticle distribution (and therefore uniform properties) in small volumes (<1000 um^3). As the nanoparticle loading may be significantly different across small areas, electrical and mechanical behavior may be inconsistent between two composite micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices which may have minimum dimensions of 1 micrometer or less. The goal of this application is to purchase equipment that will provide the greatest control over the exact shear rates, mixing parameters and temperatures during composite creation to allow us to achieve the maximum microscale homogeneity and improve the electrical or magnetic performance of polymer functional composites. This will be achieved while using the minimum volume percentage of nanoparticles so as to keep mechanical performance of the composites as close to that of unloaded polymer materials as possible. These composites will find immediate application in the production of electrically conductive dry adhesives for anti-static MEMS pick and place, and as actuators within polymer microfluidic channels as active valves or pumps.