'Intelligent Adapters': A New Paradigm in Multifunctional Polymer NanoComposite Engineering

该提案旨在在多功能纳米材料增强聚合物领域创建一个富有冒险精神的研究计划，为各种工程创新奠定技术基础。它借鉴并进一步发展了以下最新的关键科学进展：1。碳纳米管的质量改进和改性及其在功能纳米复合材料中的应用2.通过乳液模板合成多孔介质3.在纳米粒子作为替代表面活性剂，包括合成Janus，即各向异性的双面，纳米管和4。在微生物合成可再生（Janus）纳米材料及其在绿色纳米复合材料中的应用方面，这项研究的投机性质不仅在于合成双功能纳米材料，而且还在于使用引导自组装来创建新材料。这个想法是设计创新的结构材料，可以“智能”地响应环境的变化。该计划将探索各向异性“Janus”颗粒的合成，碳纳米管的可扩展纯化和改性工艺的开发，以及制造多功能材料的工艺。它将针对具有挑战性的环境中的应用，这些环境需要非凡的材料。本建议的主要目标是：1.在新型多功能结构材料的设计、合成、加工和应用方面，培育一个连接工程研究、基础科学进步和最终用户的创新体系;2.成立一个探索小组，汇集来自世界各地的杰出科学家，学术专家，年轻学者和工业用户的网络;3.与公众、媒体专业人员和决策者接触，以便教育和告知公众和潜在用户，并从这些群体获得反馈。探索小组作为一个优秀网络，将通过一个“思想圆桌会议”方案进行互动。它包括计划和临时活动，如座谈会，研讨会和创意工厂，以产生蓝天创意并确定新的研究方向。通过研究人员的交流，将提高该小组的技能。将培养一支在多功能材料领域具有广泛技能的年轻研究人员跨学科团队，以在该领域发挥国际领先作用。这笔赠款将提供必要的空间来思考，创造性和灵活性，自由合作和承担风险，这在基于项目的资金中几乎没有空间。

This proposal aims to create an adventurous research programme in the area of multifunctional nanomaterial-enhanced polymers building the technological foundation for a variety of engineering innovations. It draws upon and furthers the development of the following most recent key scientific advances:1. in quality improvement and modification of carbon nanotubes and their application in functional nanocomposites2. in the synthesis of porous media via emulsion templating 3. in nanoparticles as alternative surfactants including the synthesis of Janus, i.e. anisotropic two-faced, nanotubes and 4. in microbial synthesis of renewable (Janus) nanomaterials and their applications in green nanocomposites.The speculative nature of this research lies not only in the synthesis of bi-functional nanomaterials, but also in the use of guided self-assembly to create novel materials. The idea is to engineer innovative structural materials that can respond 'intelligently' to changes in their environment. The programme will explore the synthesis of anisotropic 'Janus'-particles, the development of scalable purification and modification processes for carbon nanotubes, and processes for manufacturing multifunctional materials. It will target applications in challenging environments, where extraordinary materials are in demand. The prime objectives of this proposal are to:1. foster a system of innovation connecting engineering research, basic science advances, and end-users in the design, synthesis, process and application of novel multifunctional structural materials;2. form an Exploration Group that brings together a network of distinguished scientists, academic experts, young academics and industrial users from around the world;3. engage with the public, media professionals and policy makers with a view to educate and inform the public and potential users and receiving feedback from these groups. The Exploration Group, as a network of excellence, will interact through a Roundtable of Ideas programme. It consists of planned and ad hoc activities such as colloquia, workshops and ideas factories to generate Blue Skies ideas and identify new research directions. The skills-set of the team will be enhanced through the exchange of research personnel. An interdisciplinary team of young researchers with a broad spectrum of skills in the area of multifunctional materials will be nurtured to take an internationally leading role in this field. This grant will provide the necessary space to think, be creative and flexible, to collaborate freely and to take risks for which there is little room in project-based funding.