Fractal Assembly of Polymeric Nanoparticles into Fibers versus Globules: An Experimental and Computational Study

Abstract

Low-density solid monolithic macroscopic objects consisting of nanoporous 3D assemblies of nanoparticles are referred to as aerogels and are pursued mainly for their low thermal conductivity and high acoustic impedance. The overall objective of this effort is to learn how to control the 3D assembly of polymeric nanoparticles into nanofibrous aerogels, rather than allow them to form globular-cluster networks. The urgent need for research in that direction stems from the fact that with all other things being equal (chemical composition, density), nanofibrous aerogels are much stiffer, stronger and tougher materials, suitable for applications unrelated to aerogels before (e.g., armor). And, as preliminary results show, certain fibrous nanostructures are also super hydrophobic, thus adding multifunctionality and value.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 08, 2019
Accession Number
AD1080661

Entities

People

  • Chariklia Sotiriou-leventis
  • Nicholas Leventis

Organizations

  • Missouri University of Science and Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Insulation
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Electrical Properties
  • Energetic Materials
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Materials
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Molecular Dynamics
  • Nanofibers
  • Nanoparticles
  • Nanotechnology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Particle Size
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Polymers
  • Silicon Carbide

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Reinforced Composite Materials
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Microelectronics