Award Abstract #0210425
NIRT: Processing, Characterization, Scaling, and Development of Fiber-Reinforced Polymeric Nano-Matrix Composites

NSF Org:	CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation
Initial Amendment Date:	September 4, 2002
Latest Amendment Date:	September 4, 2002
Award Number:	0210425
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Kevin Lyons CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	September 1, 2002
Expires:	October 31, 2005 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$900513
Investigator(s):	James Seferis jcseferis@aol.com (Principal Investigator) John Berg (Co-Principal Investigator) Michael Pilat (Co-Principal Investigator) Brian Hayes (Co-Principal Investigator) Lambros Georgoulis (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	University of Washington 4333 Brooklyn Ave NE SEATTLE, WA 98195 206/543-4043
NSF Program(s):	WESTERN EUROPE PROGRAM, EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC PROGRAM, NANOMANUFACTURING, NANOSCALE: INTRDISCPL RESRCH T, INTERFAC PROCESSES & THERMODYN, CATALYSIS AND BIOCATALYSIS
Field Application(s):	0308000 Industrial Technology
Program Reference Code(s):	MANU, 9146, 1788, 1674
Program Element Code(s):	5980, 5978, 1788, 1674, 1414, 1401

ABSTRACT

Advanced composite materials are widely utilized because of their low weight and relatively high strength and stiffness. Traditional composites rely on the use of macro or micro-scale reinforcements to increase their properties and performance. Through the use of nano-scale reinforcements and structures, either alone or in conjunction with macro-scale structures, composites with superior mechanical, transport, and environmental properties and performance characteristics can be developed. It is necessary however, to understand the fundamental phenomena behind nano-reinforcement in the form of a phase as well as scaling issues if this technology is to be effectively applied. Modeling analyses that focus on viscoelasticity and molecular-level anisotropy and heterogeneity will support this investigation and the scaling of material properties on a nano/micro/macro level. Therefore, the proposed research will investigate the trinity of nanoscale structures, nanoscale processes in the environment, and manufacturing processes at the nanoscale.

The development of nanotechnology represents a fundamental change in the way materials are designed, manufactured, and envisioned. The realization of the above research objectives will be accomplished through the development of a diverse and global team that will incorporate experts from both industry and academia, with diverse areas of expertise (polymer chemistry, polymer physics, interfacial and surface science, advanced composite materials, and environmental science) and age groups varying from scientists with many years of experience down to graduate and undergraduate students. The team will consist of three nodes, in the US, Korea and Switzerland. The diverse nature of this team will allow for a global investigation of this project on many levels and from many angles in an unprecedented fashion. Furthermore, it will provide unique opportunities to students and young researchers in the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology. Interdisciplinary teams are needed to study nanotechnology and are also needed to educate people about the advancements and varying disciplines in this field.

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