Advanced Visualization System for Microstructure Evolution of Engineered Materials under Controlled Stress

这项提议需要一个强大而全面的先进原位可视化系统(AIVS)，该系统由Linkam Science Company(Linkam)开发，能够同时监控聚合物和混杂复合材料的微观结构演变，精确的温度和湿度控制，以及在熔融和固态条件下对聚合物复合材料实施受控剪切、拉伸变形和热处理的能力。与其他传统的熔体和固态表征技术(如剪切/拉伸流变学、拉伸/压缩/弯曲力学测试和差示扫描量热法)不同，该系统允许直接可视化每种类型扰动下的微观结构演变。Linkam的AIVS有助于直接了解加工过程中施加的变形如何影响微观结构拓扑，以及这种微观结构如何影响复合材料的热机械行为。具体地说，这是世界上最具创新性的多功能聚合物表征设备之一，允许对单微米尺度的结构进行高分辨率光学测量，并具有广泛的湿度和温度控制范围。目前，加拿大还没有这样的受控应力和热处理下的综合组织可视化系统。因此，Linkam的AIVS对于工程材料的研究、设计和优化具有很高的价值，因为它的能力将为新发现和新进步铺平道路。这项申请的成功将为多伦多大学(U Of T)带来高度敏感的AIVS，使其在关键时刻成为加拿大第一所此类大学。我们正处于一个动荡的时代，普通民众意识到气候变化的影响，消费需求迅速转向减少废物的环保和高效产品。此外，对这种设备的投资将有助于促进加拿大作为先进材料和制造领域的世界领先者的发展。因此，我们申请148,962.03加元，以支付购买Linkam AIVS的成本，用于以下研究项目：(1)原位纤维聚合物复合材料，(2)可持续聚合物纳米复合材料，(3)纳米层状聚合物薄膜和涂料。总体而言，该设备将是支持多伦多大学机械与工业工程系、材料科学与工程系、化学工程与应用化学系以及林学院多个总部基地的重要资产。最终，Linkam的AIVS将使我们能够监控和了解聚合物和混杂复合材料的微观结构演变，同时模拟加工过程中经历的剪切和拉伸变形，这使得设计具有定制性能的材料以满足新应用的需求变得至关重要。

This proposal requests a robust and all-encompassing Advance In Situ Visualization System (AIVS), developed by Linkam Scientific Company (Linkam), which is capable of simultaneously monitoring the microstructure evolution of polymeric and hybrid composites, with precise temperature and humidity control, as well as capabilities for applying controlled shear, extensional deformations, and thermal treatment onto the polymer composite, in both melt- and solid-states. Unlike other conventional melt- and solid-state characterization techniques (such as, Shear/Extensional Rheology, Tensile/Compressive/Flexural Mechanical Testing, and Differential-Scanning Calorimetry), this system allows for the direct visualization of the microstructure evolution under each type of perturbation. Linkam's AIVS facilitates a direct understanding of how deformations applied during processing impact microstructure topology, and how this microstructure affects the thermomechanical behavior of composites. Specifically, this is one of the world's most innovative multifunctional polymer characterization equipment, allowing for high resolution optical measurements of structures on the scale of single-microns with a wide range of humidity and temperature control. Currently, no such comprehensive microstructure visualization system under controlled stresses and thermal treatment exists in Canada. Hence, Linkam's AIVS is of high value to the research, design, and optimization of engineered materials, as its capabilities will pave the way for new discoveries and novel advancements. The success of this application would bring a high sensitivity AIVS to the University of Toronto (U of T), making it the first of its kind in Canada, and at a crucial time. We are in the middle of a turbulent era of realization of the effects of climate change by the general population, with consumer demand rapidly shifting to eco-friendly and efficient products that reduce waste materials. Furthermore, investment in this equipment will help to facilitate Canada's growth as a world leader in advanced materials and manufacturing. Therefore, we are requesting $148,962.03 CAD to cover the cost to purchase Linkam's AIVS for the research programs targeting: (1) In Situ Fibrillated Polymer Composites, (2) Sustainable Polymer Nanocomposites, and (3) Nanolayered Polymer Films and Coatings. Overall, this equipment will be a vital asset supporting multiple HQP within the U of T's Departments of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, and Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, as well as the Faculty of Forestry. Ultimately, Linkam's AIVS will allow us to monitor and understand the microstructure evolution of polymer and hybrid composites, while simulating the shear and extensional deformations experienced during processing, making it critical to engineer materials with tailored properties to meet the demands of novel applications.