Active, Multi-functional Biopolymer Interfacial Constructs: Beyond Structural Nanocomposites

Abstract

Next-generation nanomaterials for advancing new technologies require added functionalitiesconstrained by size, weight, power, and cost requirements in the final designs. The innovationof lightweight bio-nano-composites that integrate dual structural and functional, or even multifunctional,capabilities translate to enhanced warfighter safety, and expanded applicationspaces accessible to the warfighter. By leveraging nanoscale interactions between 1D bioderivedand 2D synthetic components, advanced bio-enabled nanomaterials may beengineered with enhanced sensing, actuation, thermal management, barrier properties,electronic and ionic transport, and optical capabilities, while preserving superior mechanical andchemical resilience critical for mission success in lightweignt aviation components operatingunder extreme environments. The overarching goal of this project is to understand andintegrate novel, functional, active synthetic and bio-derived components into robust bionanocomposites for prospective use in diverse applications such as real-time sensing, energystorage and harvesting, and weight/size reduction in structural elements.In these research efforts, we explore how two classes of biopolymers, proteins (silkderivatives and polydopamines) and polysaccharides (functionalized cellulose nanocrystals) canbe assembled with strong and flexible graphene derivatives by focusing on developing acritical understanding of fundamental mechanisms underlying the mechanical reinforcementbetween constituent 1D bio-derived components and 2D synthetic components into functionalbionanocomposites.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 28, 2017
Source ID
FA95501710297

Entities

People

  • Vladimir V. Tsukruk

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Georgia Tech Research Corporation
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Readers

  • Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics