Stabilizing and Recovering Polymeric Nanoscale Assemblies Utilizing Dynamic Covalent Bonds
Abstract
The proposed project aims to develop fundamental knowledge necessary to design next-generation advanced materials with the consideration of end-of-life features, i.e., multiple uses of advanced polymer and polymer composites. To this end, polymers and composites must include design elements that allow for the recovery and reprocessing of the material. For successful end-of-life recovery and reprocessing, new polymers and polymer composites must be designed with an understanding that the recovery process must be (a) relatively easy, (b) the recovered polymers must show minimum if any, loss of property, and (c) cost-effective. The results of our proposed studies will close the knowledge gap to enable the recovery and reprocessing of advanced polymers and polymer composite materials. To develop fundamental knowledge, the proposed research will carry out a systematic study. The systematic study will include synthesis of model polymeric structures, carefully characterize the structures, determine physical properties of the starting polymeric components, study the assembly-disassembly (crosslinking-de-crosslinking) process, and after disassembly re-characterize and re-determine the properties of the starting components. The proposed studies will focus on (a) thermoplastic elastomers; (b) high-performance thermally stable polyimides and (c) polyimides/nanosheet nanocomposites. Our proposed activities will synergistically integrate experimental and computational studies to develop a structure-property-reactive-chemistry interrelationship to enable the effective design of the functional polymeric structures and the formation of the reformable networks. Most importantly, the proposed activities will significantly enhance Clark Atlanta UniversityÕs integrated research, educational and outreach capacities in physical and materials science. Thus, the proposed activities will enrich and diversify the NationÕs technical workforce by dramatically increasing the numbers of competent, confident and innovative individuals, who will address the diverse needs of industry, government and its academic institutions. These goals will be achieved with the realization of these objectives: Increasing the number of under-represented minority students matriculating in the UniversityÕs STEM programs at all levels. The fundamental studies will significantly contribute to developing reusable polymeric and polymer composites, and contribute to decreasing waste using polymers and composites in Department of Defense missions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010272
Entities
People
- Ishrat M. Khan
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Clark Atlanta University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense