GOALI: Nanodesign and Efficient Processing of Boron Carbide Nanocomposites

本研究开发了创新的镍纳米层涂覆的碳化硼（B4 C/Ni）复合材料。B4 C具有高熔点、高硬度、良好的耐化学性和低密度。然而，高熔点和高硬度使得B4 C非常难以加工并且本质上易碎。目前使用的热压是昂贵的和低效的; B4 C和其他添加剂的简单混合阻碍了所需的性能。该项目旨在建立系统理解和操纵物质的框架，并将提供比当前随机方法更理想的性能和加工性能。基于颗粒的化学镀为高温材料的设计提供了新的方法;燃烧驱动压制工艺的发展促进了热压压制工艺的应用和改进; B4 C/Ni的无压烧结研究为未开发的纳米层活化烧结的发展提供了巨大的希望。 B4 C/Ni纳米复合材料在高温热电转换、中子吸收、切削工具和轻质结构材料等方面有重要应用。凭借在纳米涂层和高效制造方面获得的知识，许多难以加工的高温材料可以重新设计。该计划将为弗吉尼亚理工大学和工业界提供重要的机会，在纳米材料研究和开发方面建立联盟，以加速纳米技术向工业界的转移。拟议中的大学教师、学生和行业科学家参与的活动将大大有助于增强美国制造业劳动力。推广活动针对纳米技术的三个领域：工业纳米技术开发、女工程学生的保留和高中纳米教育。

This research develops innovative nickel nanolayer coated boron carbide (B4C/Ni) composites. B4C has high melting point, high hardness, good chemical resistance, and low density. However, the high melting point and high hardness make B4C very difficult to process and intrinsically brittle. Currently used hot pressing is expensive and inefficient; simple mixing of B4C and other additives hampers the desired performances. This project is aimed at establishing the framework for systematic understanding and manuipulation of matter, and will deliver far more desired properties and processability than the current stochastic approach. The particle-based electroless coating explores new methodology in high temperature material design; the combustion driven compaction process accelerates the application and improvement of ultrahigh pressure compaction; and the pressureless sintering studies of B4C/Ni hold great promise for the advancement of the unexplored nanolayer activated-sintering. B4C/Ni nanocomposites have important applications in high temperature thermoelectric conversion, neutron absorption, cutting tools, and lightweight structural materials. With the knowledge gained on nano-coating and high-efficiency manufacturing, many hard-to-process high temperature materials can be re-designed. The program will provide important opportunities for Virginia Tech and industry to build alliance in nanomaterial research and development to accelerate nanotechnology transfer to industry. The proposed activities in engaging university faculty, students, and industry scientists will contribute greatly to enhancing U.S. manufacturing workforce. The outreach activities are targeted at three areas of nanotechnology: industry nanotechnology development, female engineering student retention, and high school nano-education.