Exploiting Extreme Molecular-Confinement in Hybrids for Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Behavior
Abstract
This program focuses on the molecular design and properties of new classes of organic-inorganic hybrids at the extreme limits of molecular-scale confinement. These materials are considered as molecular containers in which the effect of extreme molecular confinement can be explored and compared to molecular characterization and simulation. A particular focus involves the unique mechanical and thermal behavior that can be achieved in the limit of such intimate molecular mixing and confinement where individual polymer molecules are confined at nanometer scales in the pores of an inorganic matrix. The polyimide-based hybrids provide a new platform for studying the fundamental polymer science and reaction kinetics under molecular-scale confinement. The research will explore the limits of mechanical and thermal properties to create robust hybrids for AFOSR aerospace applications. Technical approaches involves fundamental studies of molecular confinement on molecular reactions and mobility, the mechanisms by which confinement effects thermal and mechanical properties. A wide range of experimental methods will be employed to characterize the molecular structure and resulting thermal, mechanical and fracture properties. The proposed study will push the limits of sophisticated thermal characterization techniques and will continue to pioneer metrologies to characterize cohesive fracture and fatigue behavior under simulated operating conditions. Experimental efforts are complimented with accurate computational modeling capabilities using large, distortion-free molecular models and physics-based mechanics models. All modeling will be validated with detailed experimental results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502110070
Entities
People
- Reinhold H Dauskardt
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Stanford University
- United States Air Force