AIR: Transforming nanofiber technology through scalable fabrication

拟议的AIR项目将允许建造一个新的放大设备的原型，用于连续制造纳米纤维，并对该设备中的纤维形成过程进行研究和建模，包括流体动力液体喷射变形、相分离、聚合物沉淀和纤维变形。拟议的工作还将允许在扩大过程中有效和可靠地控制纳米棒和纳米纤维的直径、长度和长径比；这项工作将由北卡罗来纳州团队和一家新的小型剥离公司Xanofi合作进行。这项拟议的工作将使从一项创新技术过渡到一项突破性技术成为可能，这项技术可以深刻改变新兴的纳米材料市场。这项提案中开发的放大技术可以提振价值1亿美元的纳米纤维市场。这些纳米纤维在节能过滤器和固态照明方面的预期应用将有助于开发新一代更绿色的工业和消费产品。这一平台技术的商业开发将通过与当地和国家公司合作创造就业机会来支持北卡罗来纳州的经济。教育外展计划包括为北卡罗来纳州立大学和Xanofi的社区大学生提供实习机会，以及在当地高中演示纳米材料制造。

The proposed AIR project will allow construction of a prototype of a new scaled-up device for continuous fabrication of nanofibers, as well as to investigate and model the fiber formation processes in the device, including hydrodynamic liquid jet deformation, phase separation, polymer precipitation and fiber deformation. The proposed work would also allow efficient and reliable control of the diameter, length and aspect ratios of nanorods and nanofibers in the scaled-up process; and will be performed in collaboration between the North Carolina State team and Xanofi, a new small spin-off company. The proposed work would make possible the transition from an innovative technique into a breakthrough technology that can profoundly change the emerging market of nanomaterials. The scaled-up technology developed in this proposal could bolster the $100 million market for nanofibers. The envisioned applications of these nanofibers in energy-efficient filters and solid-state lighting would help develop a new generation of greener industrial and consumer products. The commercial development of this platform technology would bolster the economy of North Carolina through job creation in partnerships with local and national companies. The plans for educational outreach include internships for community college students at NORTH Carolina State and Xanofi, and demonstrations of nanomaterial fabrication in local high schools.