A Hybrid Nanomanufacturing Approach for the Synthesis of Artificial Nacres

该奖项提供资金，用于研究自上而下/自下而上相结合的纳米制造方法的可行性，通过模仿、修改和实现鲍鱼壳中珍珠层的纳米级形态和类似结构来合成受生物启发的AlMgB14/Ti微工具。利用飞秒脉冲钛宝石激光系统，结合分子束喷嘴和计算全息掩模工艺，将沉积具有埃分辨率的“砖和砂浆”珍珠层纳米薄膜、高产量的珍珠层六角形图案瓷砖以及纳米结构的凹坑和桥。通过对纳米颗粒在不同载荷下的旋转和变形等能量耗散机制的定量了解，可以确定硬质AlMgB14和软性钛层的分层组织对断裂类型和能量吸收的影响。如果成功，基于激光的纳米制造方法将成为优于耗时、繁琐的自组装方法来设计仿生材料。这种珍珠层设计的实施将显著提高用于微加工、微/纳米电火花加工、基于探头的纳米加工和微铸造的微/纳米工具的性能。研究将通过最大限度地减少电力消耗、能源损失和部件更换频率，为发展更节能、更清洁和可持续的社会做出贡献。教育影响将包括：为K-12学生开发实践模块，并为学生和行业参与者举办关于生物启发纳米制造的研讨会；通过利用几个大学项目，促进妇女和代表性不足群体的招募和参与。

This award provides funding to investigate the feasibility of a combined top-down/bottom-up nanomanufacturing method to synthesize a bio-inspired AlMgB14/Ti micro-tool by mimicking, adapting and implementing the nanoscale morphology and analogous structure of nacre in the abalone shell. A femtosecond pulsed Ti:sapphire laser system in conjunction with molecular beam nozzle and computer generated holographic masking procedure will be used to deposit nanoscale thin films of "brick and mortar" nacre layers with angstrom resolution, pattern hexagonal tiles of nacre at high throughput, and nanotexture dimples and bridges. The effects of hierarchical organization of hard AlMgB14 and soft Ti layers on the types of fracture and energy absorption will be determined through a quantitative understanding of energy dissipation mechanisms such as rotation and deformation of nanograins under various types of loading.If successful, the laser-based nanomanufacturing approach will become superior to the time-consuming, cumbersome self-assembly methods for engineering the bio-inspired materials. The implementation of this nacre design will offer significant performance improvements in the micro/nano-tools used for micro-machining, micro/nano-EDM, probe-based nanomachining and micro-coining. Research will contribute to the development of more energy-efficient, cleaner and sustainable society by minimizing power consumption, energy losses and component replacement frequency. Educational impact will include: develop a hands-on module for K-12 students and host a workshop for students and industry participants on bio-inspired nanomanufacturing; and promote the recruitment and participation of women and underrepresented groups by leveraging several university programs.