MRI: Acquisition of a Nano-characterization System for Engineering and Physics Research and Education

这项重大研究仪器（MRI）奖支持收购最先进的纳米表征系统，以增强Embry-Riddle航空大学（ERAU）在智能材料，薄膜和生物材料方面的基础研究。 该项目的研究成果可能使先进的生物材料用于增强医疗，新型电子和智能材料具有新的功能能力和提高能源效率。 该系统将丰富研究合作-无论是在大学和研发小企业-并建立一个管道熟练的纳米表征研究人员从一个大的和种族多样化的研究生和本科生的游泳池。纳米技术将通过STEM项目介绍给K-12学生，包括工程数学和科学女孩（GEMS）。 公众对纳米技术的了解将通过在代托纳海滩艺术与科学博物馆的展览得到加强。该研究以基于物理的方法为基础，许多项目都集中在恶劣环境下的材料和结构行为上。该仪器将使研究人员能够将异质生物材料，3D打印智能材料和纳米复合材料的特性映射到其微观结构。该仪器还将在相变材料的转变温度开始时实现前所未有的同时表征和成像。 研究人员将把高温测量与模拟相结合，以推进薄膜结构稳定性的基础知识--与国家实验室和其他大学的研究人员合作。该仪器将为所需的微结构-性能-增材制造工艺相关性奠定基础，以确定恶劣环境下天线和电子产品的3D打印厚膜涂层和电导体的耐用性。该系统还将有助于建立新型合成动脉移植物和分流器的弹性和粘弹性，以确保结构兼容性，实现最佳顺应性，并防止心血管功能障碍。 该系统还将提供3D打印介电金属弹性体复合材料的关键摩擦学见解，并建立其变形电流本构行为。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award supports the acquisition of a state-of-the-art nanoscale characterization system to empower basic research in smart materials, thin films, and biomaterials at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). The project’s research findings may enable advanced bio-materials for enhanced medical treatments, novel electronic and smart materials with new functional capabilities and enhanced energy efficiency. The system will enrich research collaborations—both within the university and with R&D small businesses-- and establish a pipeline of skilled nano-characterization researchers from a large and ethnically-diverse pool of graduate and undergraduate students. Nanotechnology will be introduced to K-12 students through STEM programs including Girls in Engineering Math and Science (GEMS). Public understanding of nanotechnology will be heightened through an exhibit at the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences.The research is grounded in a physics- based approach and many of the projects are focused on materials and structures behaviors in harsh environments. The instrumentation will enable researchers to map the properties of heterogeneous biomaterials, 3D printed smart materials, and nanocomposite materials to their microstructure. The instrument will also enable unprecedented simultaneous characterization and imaging of phase-changing materials at the onset of their transition temperatures. The researchers will integrate the high temperature measurements with simulation to advance fundamental knowledge of thin films structural stability -- in collaboration with researchers at the national labs and at other universities. The instrumentation will lay the foundation for needed microstructure-properties- additive manufacturing processing correlations to establish the durability of 3D printed thick-film dielectrics and electric conductors for antennas and electronics under harsh environments. The system will also help establish the elastic and viscoelastic properties of novel synthetic arterial grafts and shunts to ensure structural compatibility, achieve optimal compliance, and prevent cardiovascular malfunction. The system will also provide crucial tribological insights of 3D printed dielectric metal-elastomers composites and establish their deformation-electric current constitutive behavior.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.