``RUI: Phase Kinetics and Surface Modification of Nanocomposite Polymer Thin Films

技术概述：本本科院校研究项目的重点是发展对基于poss的薄膜杂化聚合物的表面化学和形态的基本理解，因为它们可以应用于微制造技术。具体来说，我们解决了两个关键问题：(1)通过原位和非原位材料表征技术建立一个理解poss薄膜结晶动力学和相行为的模型；(2)展示poss薄膜的表面改性策略，这些策略有可能适用于包括金属粘附和微流体在内的微制造技术。材料性能将使用表面分析技术的组合进行研究，包括x射线光电子能谱（XPS）、原子和侧向力显微镜（AFM/LFM）、飞行时间二次离子质谱（ToF-SIMS）、变角光谱椭偏仪（VASE）、衰减全内反射傅立叶变换红外光谱（ATR-FTIR）和接触角测量。结晶动力学将在不同温度下使用原位和实时AFM进行研究，并与ToF-SIMS， ATR-FTIR和花瓶数据相关联。基于poss的薄膜的表面改性将通过等离子体氧化和化学技术的结合来完成。为了更好地理解POSS在增强金膜与POSS表面附着力中的作用，我们将进一步研究POSS薄膜的表面化学性质。暴露在等离子体环境中的表面将使用硅烷自组装单层技术进一步修饰。该项目将在三年的时间内培训多达12名本科研究人员和一名高中化学、物理或生物教师。学生和老师都将学习和使用复杂的表面分析技术，真空科学，高分子材料表征和加工，以及微流体技术和科学。该计划的参与者将参加与JMU化学和材料科学的NSF本科生研究经验（REU）相关的活动，成为JMU化学和材料科学的一部分？学者社区？与其他60多名JMU化学和材料科学的暑期本科生研究人员合作。学生们还将有更多的机会与着陆器的研究生和博士后研究人员互动。通过我们持续的合作，他在弗吉尼亚大学化学系的实验室取得了巨大的成功。本本科院校研究项目的重点是深入了解有机-无机杂化聚合物的表面特性，因为它们可以应用于微制造技术。先进的高分子材料是广泛工业领域的关键技术。如果要将这些材料薄膜的表面特性集成到许多不同的技术中，如微电子和生物医学微流体装置中，对它们的表面特性的理解是至关重要的。在这个项目中，多达12名本科生和一名高中科学教师将使用复杂的表面科学显微镜和化学分析工具来更好地了解化学修饰的混合聚合物表面。此外，还将在当地和区域高中开展涉及纳米科学示范和教学的外展活动。总而言之，该项目将有助于影响从高中到研究生阶段的未来科学家的管道，让学生接受尖端聚合物材料科学主题的培训。

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:This Research at Undergraduate Institutions project is focused on developing a fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry and morphology of POSS-based thin film hybrid polymers as they can be applied to microfabrication technologies. Specifically, we address two key issues: (1.) developing a model of understanding the kinetics of crystallization and phase behavior in POSS-based films through in-situ and ex-situ materials characterization techniques and (2.) demonstrating surface modification strategies in POSS-based thin films that have the potential to be applicable to microfabrication technologies including metal adhesion and microfluidics. Materials properties will be studied using a combination of surface analysis techniques including x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic and lateral force microscopy (AFM/LFM), time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE), attenuated total internal reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and contact angle measurements. Crystallization kinetics will be studied using in-situ and real-time AFM at different temperatures and correlated to ToF-SIMS, ATR-FTIR and VASE data. Surface modification of POSS-based thin films will be accomplished via a combination of plasma oxidation and chemical techniques. The surface chemistry of POSS-based thin films will be further studied to better understand the role of POSS in the enhanced adhesion of gold films to POSS-surfaces. Surfaces that have been exposed to a plasma environment will be further modified using silane self-assembled monolayer techniques. This project will involve the training of up to twelve undergraduate researchers and one high school chemistry, physics or biology teacher over the three year duration of the program. Both students and teachers will learn and use sophisticated surface analytical techniques, vacuum science, polymer materials characterization and processing, and microfluidic technology and science. Participants in this program will participate in activities related to the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) sites in chemistry and materials science at JMU to become part of a ?community of scholars? with over sixty other summer undergraduate researchers in chemistry and materials science at JMU. The students will also have further opportunities to interact with graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in the Lander?s lab in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia through our ongoing collaboration. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYThis Research at Undergraduate Institutions project is focused on developing a deeper understanding of the surface properties of organic-inorganic hybrid polymers as they can be applied to microfabrication technologies. Advanced polymer materials are crucial technologies in a wide-range of industries. Developing an understanding of the surface properties of thin films of these materials is critical if they are to be integrated into many different technologies such a microelectronics and biomedical microfluidic devices. In this program, up to twelve undergraduate research students and one high school science teacher will use sophisticated surface science microscopy and chemical analysis tools to better understand hybrid polymer surfaces that have been chemically modified. In addition, outreach activities to local and regional high schools involving demonstration and teaching about nanoscience will be conducted. In summary, this program will help to impact the pipeline of future scientists from the high school through the graduate level with students trained in cutting-edge polymer materials science topics.