Vibrational Spectroscopic Analysis on the Deformational Behavior of Hybrid Polymers
Abstract
Under this equipment grant, we are to acquire a unique characterization facility needed for determining sub-molecular level changes in the atomic bonding responsible for the enhanced performance of materials reinforced with a new class of nano-structured, hybrid chemicals; polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). This facility is vital to the PI's current AFOSR and AFRL-PRSM projects because it will expand the use of POSS in both high temperature polymeric matrix composites and engineering elastomers. This effort is needed for a fundamental advancement of our understanding for the synergistic performance enhancement in the use of nano-structured hybrid chemicals with organic materials. Under this effort, we had purchased 1) an upgrade the existing Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) equipped with a new detector, 2) a micro-Raman spectrometer with 3 different excitation lasers covering from UV to near-IR range, and 3) a custom heated deformation stage. This unique facility with these state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques will enable a direct measurement on the shifts of vibrational frequencies which are associated with specific molecular segments as the material experiences an externally imposed field, e.g., thermal or mechanical loads. The spectroscopic technique is also a non-destructive method. This information is invaluable as we seek to understand the molecular origins behind the observed performance enhancements in a variety of materials which have been reinforced by functionalized, nano-structured hybrid chemicals such as POSS.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA515959
Entities
People
- Andre Lee
Organizations
- Michigan State University