Collaborative Research: Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Team Research on Understanding and Overcoming Atomic-Level Wear in Tip-Based Nanomanufacturing

本研究的目的是结合原子力显微镜、高分辨率电子显微镜和原子模拟来：(1)在纳米尺度上探索磨损的科学基础；(2)检验宏观强度高的碳基材料可以用来形成耐磨纳米尖端的假设。磨损科学在很大程度上尚未被探索，但对于实现纳米技术应用，包括所有基于针尖的纳米制造(TBN)过程(例如，纳米级加工、光刻、操纵、数据存储)来说，是至关重要的。碳基材料由于其高强度、低摩擦磨损和稳定的表面，可能是用于热障涂层的理想材料。我们将利用与行业和国家实验室合作伙伴的合作来开展这项工作。这项工作的社会影响是双重的。从技术的角度来看，它将有助于在工业上实施TBN工艺，并有助于在原子尺度上更广泛地发展对磨损的科学理解。从教育的角度来看，这项研究将培训本科生、研究生和专业水平的工程师，使他们掌握纳米制造中的跨学科概念。PIS将把有关TBN过程的讲座和实验室纳入本科生和研究生课程，并将通过演讲、出版物、网络基础设施和与行业合作者的讨论向科学和工程专业人员广泛传播这项工作的成果。高中教师将通过已建立的教师研究经验(RET)计划得到支持。妇女和任职人数不足的少数群体将被招募为研究小组的一员，并作为外联工作的参与者和受益者。

The objective of this research is to combine atomic force microscopy (AFM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomistic modeling to: (1) explore the scientific basis of wear at the nanoscale; and (2) test the hypothesis that macroscopically strong carbon-based materials can be used to form wear-resistant nanotips. The science of wear is largely unexplored, yet is critically needed for enabling nanotechnology applications including all tip-based nanomanufacturing (TBN) processes (e.g., nano-scale machining, lithography, manipulation, data storage). Carbon-based materials may be ideal for TBN due to their high strength, low friction and wear, and stable surfaces. We will leverage collaboration with industry and national laboratory partners for this work.The societal impact of this work is twofold. From a technical standpoint, it will aid in the implementation of TBN processes for industry, and in the broader development of a scientific understanding of wear at the atomic scale. From an educational standpoint, this research will train engineers at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels in interdisciplinary concepts in nanomanufacturing. The PIs will integrate lectures and labs on TBN processes into undergraduate and graduate courses, and will widely disseminate the results of this work to science and engineering professionals through presentations, publications, cyber-infrastructure, and discussions with industrial collaborators. A high school teacher will be supported through established research experience for teachers (RET) programs. Women and underrepresented minorities will be recruited to be part of the research team and as participants and beneficiaries of the outreach efforts.