Award Abstract #0323509
Injection Molding of Microcellular Nanocomposites

NSF Org:	CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation
Initial Amendment Date:	July 17, 2003
Latest Amendment Date:	February 13, 2004
Award Number:	0323509
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Charalabos H. Doumanidis CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	September 1, 2003
Expires:	August 31, 2006 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$292546
Investigator(s):	Lih-Sheng Turng turng@engr.wisc.edu (Principal Investigator) Shaoqin Gong (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	University of Wisconsin-Madison 21 North Park Street MADISON, WI 53715 608/262-3822
NSF Program(s):	NANOMANUFACTURING
Field Application(s):	0308000 Industrial Technology
Program Reference Code(s):	MANU, 9251, 9231, 9178, 9146
Program Element Code(s):	1788

ABSTRACT

This research project aims to advance the fundamental knowledge and process technology for mass-production of lightweight, high-performance injection molded parts by creating synergistic marriage of two emerging technologies, i.e., nanocomposites and microcellular injection molding. Systematic experimental, analytical, and modeling studies will be conducted to identify the key processing parameters for microcellular injection molding with nanocomposites and their effects on materials properties and to advance the understanding and mathematical modeling of cell nucleation and growth in microcellular plastics with micro-/nano-scale particles and fibers. Since 1976, plastics have been the most widely used materials in the U.S., surpassing steel, copper, and aluminum combined by volume. Among the various plastics processing methods, injection molding accounts for one-third of all polymers processed.

These research activities and results will be incorporated into the polymer engineering curricula to stimulate students' interest in advanced research and education. Students of underrepresented groups will be recruited to participate in the research through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) supplement. Close collaboration with industrial partners via the industrial consortium and the Engineering Outreach Program will be emphasized to facilitate sharing of expertise and resources, validation of research outcome, transfer of technology, education of the workforce, and assessment of the economic gain. Successful execution of this research will have broad impacts in extending the industrial applications and adoption of nanocomposites and microcellular injection molding, ultimately helping the U.S. plastics industry to gain competitive edge in the global marketplace.

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