In situ Mechanics and Electromechanics of Nanostructures for Energy Efficient Advanced Materials

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Emerging markets and rising fuel costs are resulting in global energy demands that are outpacing advancements in energy production and storage. There is an IMMEDIATE NEED for energy efficient materials, such as lightweight composites, low friction lubricants, and low power electronics, that will reduce these dramatic energy demands. Translational improvements in energy efficiencies will require both order-of-magnitude increases in materials properties and novel fundamental mechanisms - criteria which nanomaterials have been proven to exhibit. The potential of nanomaterials has not been met due to a lack of mechanistic understanding of their properties as well as the optimized multiscale materials designs which incorporate them. ** The RESEARCH PROGRAM will apply a strategy that leverages in situ methodologies to unveil and optimize mechanical and electromechanical properties and mechanisms to guide the design of energy efficient materials based on nanostructures. The specific research PROJECTS proposed herein will focus on studies of three classes of advanced materials: In situ nanotribology studies of tunable graphene film lubricants for microelectromechanical systems, Strength and interfacial studies of smart-lightweight composites, and Electromechanical studies of metallic nanowires for electronic interconnects. In situ characterization of the nanomaterials within scanning probe and electron microscopes will be applied to directly visualize deformation mechanisms and characterize mechanical and electromechanical energy efficiency metrics including strength-to-weight ratios, friction coefficients, and maximum current densities. ** The research program will IMPACT the fundamental understanding of mechanical and electromechanical phenomena of novel nanostructures, lead to unprecedented advancements in energy efficient materials performance which will benefit Canadian companies in aerospace, automotive, mining, and electronics industries, and directly support the training of highly qualified personnel within an interdisciplinary, and collaborative, academic and industrial training environment using unique in situ research infrastructure. **** ** ********************************************