NER: Investigation of the Mechanism of Electrical Conductivity in Titanium Carbide Coated Nanotube Reinforced Composites

本研究的目的是研究纳米管（NT）和纳米纤维（NF）增强聚合物上沉积薄导电层的影响。该方法将在NT和NF聚合物（聚乙烯、聚丙烯和液晶聚合物）复合材料上沉积一层（50nm）碳化钛（TiC）。将进行界面分析和电学研究（电阻率和电磁衰减）。初步观察表明，涂层后样品的电导率显著增加，其值高于未涂层材料和TiC。这项研究将为导电表面和导电矩阵之间的相互作用提供令人兴奋的见解。该研究为降低NT/NF聚合物复合材料的渗透阈值提供了可能性。与此同时，这项研究可以为一种新型材料提供技术突破，这种材料的电导率可以根据所需的应用进行定制。德克萨斯泛美大学是一所西班牙裔服务机构，西班牙裔入学率超过85%。美国国家科学基金会对Lozano博士的资助使得一个强大的研究小组（主要是本科生）得以发展。从事前沿研究的机会已经激励了学生们追求更高的学位，增加了代表性不足的科学家的数量。这项合作将为UTPA的学生提供一个令人兴奋的机会，让他们参与航空航天公司的研究，获得宝贵的实践经验。这项研究的结果将促进对新型材料的界面和电性能的深入了解，为定制制造技术提供工具。

The objective of this research is to investigate the effect of a thin conductive layer deposited on nanotube (NT) and nanofiber (NF) reinforced polymers. The approach will be to deposit a layer (50nm) of titanium carbide (TiC) on NT and NF polymer (polyethylene, polypropylene, and liquid crystal polymers) composites. Interfacial analysis and electrical studies (resistivity and electromagnetic attenuation) will be conducted. Preliminary observations indicate a significant increase in electrical conductivity upon coating the sample, to a value higher than that of both, the uncoated material and the TiC. This investigation will offer exciting insight into the interactions between conducting surface and conducting matrix. The study offers the possibility of being able to lower the percolation threshold of NT/NF polymer composites. In parallel, this investigation could provide a technological breakthrough for a new class of materials whose electrical conductivities can be tailored according to the desired application.The University of Texas Pan American is a Hispanic Serving Institution with more than 85% Hispanic enrollment. NSF funding to Dr. Lozano has allowed the development of a strong research group (mainly undergraduates). The opportunity to work on cutting edge research has already motivated students to pursue advanced degrees, increasing the number of under-represented scientists. The collaborative effort will offer an exciting opportunity for UTPA students to participate in research at The Aerospace Corporation to gain valuable practical experience. Results derived from this research will promote insights into interfacial and electrical properties of a new class of materials providing tools for tailoring manufacturing techniques.