Dendrimer-Based Nanocomposites for Tribological Applications

NSF-CMS：树枝状分子基纳米复合材料的纳米摩擦学应用spi: M.L. Weaver（冶金与材料工程）co . pi: S.C. Street（化学）摘要本研究的重点是建立基于基础科学的理解树枝状分子中间层对超薄金属层膜的纳米力学、纳米摩擦学、化学和形态特性的影响。这项研究的技术动机是基于开发新型涂层的愿望，这将提高基于薄膜技术的关键和新兴工程结构的能力和耐久性，如MEMS和NEMS（微纳米机电系统）设备，以及微电子封装的新材料。此外，在精心控制晶粒尺寸、晶粒形态和涂层厚度的情况下，对树突状底层层在薄膜上引起的性能变化的基本理解，可以为开发和应用更薄、更耐用的涂层开辟新的视野。教育方面的努力包括对化学系、冶金系和材料工程系的研究生进行培训，并将阿拉巴马大学一年级和二年级的本科生以及邻近的HBCU的本科生整合到多学科研究活动中。这将为这些学生提供超出通常与学术课程相关的实际实验室经验。

NSF-CMS: Dendrimer-Based Nanocomposites for Nanotribological ApplicationsPI: M.L. Weaver (Metallurgical & Materials Engineering)Co-PI: S.C. Street (Chemistry)AbstractThis research focuses on developing a fundamental science-based understanding of the influence of dendrimer interlayers on the nanomechanical, nanotribological, chemical, and morphological properties of the ultrathin metal overlayer films. The technological motivation for this research is grounded in the desire to develop novel coatings that will increase the capability and durability of critical and emerging engineering structures based on thin film technology such as MEMS and NEMS (micro- and nano-elecromechanical systems) devices, and new materials for microelectronic packaging. Furthermore, a basic understanding of the changes in properties induced by dendrimer underlayers on films deposited with carefully controlled grain sizes, grain morphologies, and coating thicknesses can open new horizons in the development and application of thinner, more durable coatings. Educational efforts include the training of graduate students from the departments of Chemistry and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and the integration of undergraduate students from the freshman and sophomore classes at The University of Alabama and from neighboring HBCU's into multidisciplinary research activities. This will provide those students with practical laboratory experiences above and beyond that normally associated with their academic coursework.