Nanoscale Characterization of Nanostructured Thin Film with Ultrahigh Strength and Ductility

纳米结构材料在化学、机械和物理等方面具有潜在的优越性。纳米结构薄膜具有极高的强度/延展性和断裂韧性，对MEMS元件和薄膜涂层非常有吸引力。虽然人们对大块纳米结构材料的力学行为进行了研究，但对其强度的来源却缺乏了解。纳米结构薄膜的延展性和断裂及其基本关系。为了设计和加工出具有超高强度、延展性和抗断裂性能的纳米薄膜，新型纳米结构薄膜的加工方法和对薄膜强度和延性来源的认识是非常重要的。因此，该研究项目旨在(1)开发一种新的制造技术，使纳米结构薄膜具有更好的机械性能（高强度和高韧性），用于MEMS和涂层应用；(2)了解薄膜的强化机制和断裂过程，从而确定合适的纳米结构薄膜。H微结构，获得最佳力学性能。纳米结构薄膜的纳米级表征有望为纳米结构薄膜和纳米表征的发展做出贡献。该项目将通过以下方式整合研究和教育：(i)为研究生和本科生提供培训，（ii）开发纳米结构薄膜课程，（iii）通过匹兹堡大学目前的少数民族工程指导计划，增加代表性不足的群体参与研究。（iv）通过互联网探索者和匹兹堡卡耐基科学博物馆向小学和年轻学生推广纳米科学技术。

New outstanding chemical, mechanical and physical properties are potentially exhibited in nanostructured materials. The nanostructured thin film with extremely high strength/ductility as well as fracture toughness can be very attractive for MEMS components and thin film coatings. Although mechanical behavior of bulk nanostructured materials has been investigated, there is lack of understanding on source of strength?Cductility and fracture as well as their fundamental relationships in nanostructured thin films. In order to design and process better thin film with ultrahigh strength, ductility and fracture resistance, novel nanostructured thin film processing and understanding on the source of strength and ductility in the films are important. Therefore, the research project is aimed at (1) developing a new fabrication technique to achieve better mechanical behavior (high strength and toughness) in nanostructured thin films for MEMS and coating application, and (2) understanding strengthening mechanism and fracture process in the thin films so as to identify a ?gproper?h microstructure for best mechanical performance. The nanoscale characterization on the nanostructured thin film is expected to contribute to the advancement in nanostructured thin film and nanocharacterization. The project will integrate research and education by (i) providing training for graduate and undergraduate students, (ii) course development on nanostructured thin films, (iii) increased participation of underrepresented groups into the research through current Minority Engineering Mentoring Program in University of Pittsburgh, and (iv) outreach to elementary school and exposure of young students to nanoscale science & technology through Internet explorers and Pittsburgh Carnegie Science Museum.