Request Twin Screw Extruder to Enhance DoD Interested Polymer Nanocomposite Research and STEM Program
Abstract
The Wang Lab at Howard University focuses on development of polymer nanocomposite and bio-inspired materials. The research projects in this lab, including anti-scratch coating for ships/marine equipments, high dielectric constant (high k) and low loss materials, bioresorbable materials for bone fixation and tissue engineering, are within the technical fields of interest to the DoD ÒMaterials DivisionÓ, because they either can enhance soldiersÕ safety and health or can improve the defense equipment performance. Existing Facilities: This lab already has a number of existing equipment and facilities which provides capabilities to conduct the polymer nanocomposite research, including wet chemistry lab for polymer synthesis/functionalization and nanoparticle preparation/modification, materials process lab equipped with Haake Polylab OS 16, Rheomix 600 melt compounding and MiniJet II inject molding for composite fabrication/processing, and TA-Q50 TGA, TA-Q800 DMA, Zeiss Auriga FIB-SEM, PL-50 GPC, and PE 8000 DSC for properties evaluation/testing. Requested Equipment: A complete polymer composite processing system is necessary to conduct the above polymer composite projects. Considering that the existing HAAKE PolyLab System includes OS 16 main station, melt compounding, and MiniJet II inject molding, it is essential to acquire the additional ÒTwin Screw ExtrudersÓ including modular 16 mm Rheomex and compact 11 mm MiniLab. Advantages of the Requested Equipment: In comparison to our existing melt compounding, the requested twin screw extruders have a number of benefits: (1) continuous processing with high consistency, (2) high processing productivity, (3) remarkable mixing quality, (4) high flexibility of screw design, thus (5) can meet specific requirements for a wide range of polymers and composites. Particularly, because of the similarity between twin screw extruder and industrial manufacturing, the twin screw extruder will provide greater potential to translate the lab research to industrial manufacturing process. Strengthen Research Capabilities: First, the high productivity and remarkable mixing quality of the twin screw extruders will significantly enhance the polymer nanocomposite research such as anti-scratch coating, high k materials and tissue engineering. Second, the flexibility of twin screw will strengthen the collaborations between PI and other faculty members thus will enhance the interdisciplinary research throughout the entire University. Consequently, the strengthened research and collaborations will create more possibilities to develop research projects which are of interest to the DoD. Enhance STEM Program: More equipment could more enhance studentsÕ participation in research on polymer nanocomposites. The new equipment will enhance the UniversityÕs STEM program by providing them more research opportunities with multidisciplinary training. The strengthened collaborations will allow students from different departments to be exposed to the state-of-the-art equipment. The enhanced STEM program and research capabilities will also attract secondary school teachers, thus attracting more high school students to pursue degrees in STEM areas. Funding this equipment to Howard University can significantly enhance the education and STEM programs for African American students, thus will provide more African American STEM workforces to the nation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1510051
Entities
People
- Tongxin Wang
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Howard University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense