SGER: Functionally Graded Polymer Matrix Nano-Composites by Solid Freeform Fabrication

这个探索性研究小资助金(SGER)将研究一种将纳米颗粒或纤维增强材料与光固化热固性树脂相结合的技术，以生产功能梯度复合材料。这项研究将集中在填充纳米相陶瓷颗粒的光学元件上，这些颗粒形成了梯度折射率透镜。这项技术涉及使用固体自由形状制造喷墨沉积工艺来形成复合材料，目的是演示平板透镜的制造。即将开发的喷墨沉积工艺的优点是将纳米增强材料加入到相对容易加工和快速光固化的低粘度基质树脂中，以生产功能聚合物部件。它还具有不需要对基本处理方法进行重大修改的优点。部分研究将致力于开发先进的计算机设计程序，指定需要采用的准确材料沉积图案，以优化透镜的性能。如果成功，这项研究将展示一种制造光学透镜的新技术，其成本可能比传统技术低得多。这将展示对功能梯度材料生产的新的控制水平，并将有助于计算机辅助设计技术。

This Small Grant for Exploratory Research (SGER) will investigate a technology for combining nanosized particulate or fiber reinforcements with a photocurable thermoset matrix resin in order to produce functionally graded composites. The investigation will focus on optical components filled with nano-phase ceramic particles that form gradient refractive index lenses. The technology involves using a Solid Freeform Fabrication ink-jet deposition process to form the composites, with a goal of demonstrating the fabrication of flat lenses. The ink-jet deposition process to be developed has the advantage of incorporating nano-reinforcements into a low viscosity matrix resin that is relatively easy to process and rapidly photocures to produce functional polymeric parts. It also has the advantage that major modifications in the basic processing methodology are not necessary. Part of the research will be devoted to the development of advanced computer design procedures that specify the exact material deposition patterns that need to be employed in order to optimize the performance of the lens. If successful, this research will demonstrate a new technology for the fabrication of optical lenses at possibly much lower costs than afforded by conventional technologies. This will demonstrate a new level of control over the production of functionally graded materials, and it will contribute to the technology of computer aided design.