Development of a Novel Functionally Gradient Composite Material

本项目将开发一种新型的轻质功能梯度聚合物基复合材料。与其他轻质材料相比，这种材料在准静态和动态加载条件下具有显著更高的能量吸收。所提出的功能梯度材料(FGM)是基于根据聚合物基质中的壁厚创建中空玻璃微粒的分散。与现有的基于产生颗粒体积分数梯度的功能梯度相比，壁厚的梯度将提供对这些功能梯度的更好的控制。通过广泛的理论和实验分析，对新型功能梯度材料的结构进行设计和优化。实验研究将包括加工方法的开发、力学性能的表征和结构-性能相关性的开发。将使用均匀化技术建立两相(基质和颗粒)和三相(基质、颗粒和气孔)复合材料的分析模型。这些模型将适用于中空和固体颗粒填充复合材料，并将提供比现有模型显著增强的预测能力。本项目通过将固体颗粒定义为中空颗粒的特殊情况，首次全面尝试统一固体和中空颗粒填充复合材料的概念。新的功能梯度材料将为智能复合材料、自修复复合材料、生物兼容材料和高阻尼材料的未来研究开辟几种可能性。新的功能梯度材料的直接应用预计将在更高的抗损伤结构中应用。未来的可能性在于汽车结构、生物医学植入物、运动器材和自我修复部件。作为该项目的一部分，计划为研究生、本科生和高中生开展广泛的教育活动。结果将通过期刊出版物、会议报告和纳入相关课程广泛传播。

A novel lightweight functionally graded polymer based composite material will be developed in this project. This material will have substantially higher energy absorption in quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions compared to other lightweight materials. The proposed functionally graded material (FGM) is based on creating a dispersion of hollow micro-particles of glass according to their wall thickness in a polymeric matrix. The gradient in wall thickness will provide a better control over properties of these FGMs compared to the existing FGMs that are based on creating a gradient of particle volume fraction. The new FGM structure will be designed and optimized through extensive theoretical and experimental analysis. The experimental research will include development of processing methods, characterization of mechanical properties and development of structure-property correlations. Analytical models for two- (matrix and particles) and three-phase (matrix, particles and air voids) composite materials will be developed using homogenization techniques. These models will be applicable to hollow and solid particle filled composites and will provide significantly enhanced predictive capabilities over the currently available models.This project is the first comprehensive attempt to unify the concept of solid and hollow particle filled composites by defining solid particles as a special case of hollow particles. The mew FGM will open up several possibilities for future research in smart composites, self healing composites, bio-compatible materials and highly damping materials. The immediate applications of the new FGMs are expected to be in higher damage withstanding structures. Future possibilities lie in automobile structures, bio-medical implants, sports equipment and self healing components. Extensive educational activities are planned for graduate, undergraduate and high school students as part of the project. The results will be disseminated widely through journal publications, conference presentations and inclusion in the relevant courses.