Smart Manufacturing Ð Photonic Processing of Multifunctional Materials for Defense Applications
Abstract
The PIÕs at Florida A&M University (FAMU) are exploring processes, structures and performance measures that will lead to significant achievements in material processing (additive manufacturing) with an aim of developing novel materials for the Department of Defense (DoD) (with current & proposed funding). Our aim in the proposal lies in the development of high quality, low cost flexible electronics which is critically important to future technologies including monitoring and augmenting human performance, as well as enabling sensors, antennas, and multifunctional components for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. Optical annealing when combined with a vision system and 3D printing has the capability to provide a rapid and Òon the flyÓ one step process of printing and post processing to achieve the desired structure and properties. It is our goal to assemble such a system - laser-photonics printing/vision system with annealing capabilities from nScrypt and work closely with our DoD collaborators to process functional materials of interest. These include - flexible multilayer MoS2 transistors, polymer electrolyte batteries, processing of ceramics and polymers for toughened composites, graphene based sensors and electrode assemblies and nanoparticle based embedded electronic devices. For example, we are interested in printing timer circuits and controller circuits that can fit in a tube and be of direct benefit to the DOD. Projects will be in collaboration with Army Research Labs (ARL Ð Cooperative Research and Development Agreement in the process of being signed) and with Air Force Research Labs (AFRL Ð Educational Partnership Agreement has already been signed). The proposed system also enhances the quality of current DOD funded research among the investigators and will play a key role in the education of minority undergraduate and graduate students. It will greatly enhance the capabilities of the newly National Science Funded center on additive manufacturing. FAMU is the largest Historically Black College University (HBCUÕs) in America, and one of twelve out of 102 HBCUÕs that offer BSc, MSc and PhD programs in multiple disciplines. The proposed equipment is the first of its kind in the university and it gives the investigators unprecedented control and accuracy in fabricating functional materials at the micrometer scale. It interfaces well with existing synthesis and characterization facilities and brings together scientists with common interests and greatly enhances their ability to procure future funding from federal, private agencies and companies. It will place FAMU to go after center grants such as NSF Emerging Research Centers and DoD MURIP and also help us pursue funding from Flexible Hybrid Electronics (FHE).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910459
Entities
People
- Subramanian Ramakrishnan
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Florida A&M University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense