Creating novel structural composites using stochastic morphologies and fuzzy forms, formed through helium plasma irradiation
Abstract
It is proposed to investigate, both experimentally and theoretically the unique structural attributes and characteristics that may be obtained using nanoscale fuzzy fillers for large scale composites. Such fuzzy structures are constituted from high-void, nanometer scale morphologies and induced through interaction of very light element (such as hydrogen and helium) plasmas, with a variety of metals and ceramics. Pressures in the range of GPa has been indicated inside and near the gas nano-bubbles incorporated into the materials, with enhanced trapping at material interfaces promoting the pinning of dislocations and increasing hardness The unique stress state could also be utilized for inter-mixing at temperatures less than that suggested by equilibrium phase diagrams, and promote enhanced diffusion as well as metastable phase formation, yielding unparalleled structural and physical attributes. To probe the utility and efficacy of the metallic fuzzy nanostructure fillers in structural materials, it is proposed to synthesize, and subsequently characterize, two kinds of composites, incorporating metals, ceramics, or polymers as the matrix/second phase (I) using a novel supercritical fluid-based technique, and (II) through blending with a polymer matrix. The deployment of two strategies for the synthesis, provides adequate risk mitigation. While the Type I composite is being attempted for the first time, as part of the proposed work, the Type II composite is more conventional, and the PI has over a decade of experience in the synthesis of such composites. Our preliminary investigations on assessing the integration of nanostructures into suitable background matrices and determination of their structural and mechanical attributes, with respect to the fragile-hard synergy, provides a firm basis. We will analyze the critical concentration and optimal morphologies of fuzzy nanostructures for structural percolation and matrix reinforcement. Modeling of mechanical characteristics of fuzzy filler-based composites, through the Halpin-Tsai system of equations, along with the investigation of the structural attributes of complex and hierarchical morphologies of the fillers. This project is a close collaboration between three researchers at the University of California Ð San Diego (UCSD), passionately dedicated to the fruition of macrostructure formation from complex plasmas and related materials processing. A detailed three-year summary of the (i) goals, milestones, and expected outcomes, as well as (ii) impact of the proposed work on DOD capabilities through development of novel structural material systems, along with (iii) the team facilities, interaction and management approach has been provided. The teamÕs synergistic expertise in investigating the structural, mechanical, and electrical characteristics of nanostructure-based composites (PI: P.R. Bandaru), the synthesis and analysis of fuzzy nano- and micro-structure in plasma processing (Co-PI M. Baldwin), and theoretical investigations on modeling of fuzz formation (Co-PI: S. Krasheninnikov) will be harnessed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110041
Entities
People
- Prabhakar Bandaru
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of California, San Diego