Acquisition of a Dielectric Permittivity Measurement Systems up to 50GHz
Abstract
Composite materials with a defined electromagnetic response are desired for a number of applications important to the mission of the Department of Defense. Such materials can be used for miniaturizing devices such as antennas, non-reciprocal systems for signal routing, novel bandpass filters, electromagnetic shielding, to mention just a few. 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). Key projects include light weight conductive composites (cellulose/graphene), novel 2D materials (MXenes) for sensors and shielding, conductive carbon nanotube sensors and mechanoluminescent perovskite sensors for structural health monitoring to name a few. The research involves not only fabricating useful structures and devices but also investigating the fundamental mechanisms that gives rise to enhanced macroscopic properties. The key equipment proposed in the current work will help the team characterize the dielectric properties of the above mentioned composite systems. The proposed system is needed for the measurement of the complex dielectric permittivity over a large frequency range of our additively manufactured composite materials, where optimization of the electromagnetic properties, with processing parameters such as loading fraction, shape and alignment of the particle inclusions, extrusion temperature, speed and pressure, influence the materials properties. The dielectric measurements will advance our understanding of the alignment of particles during printing/processing, develop novel sensors, characterize the composite material and quantify interfacial effects. Together with a structural characterization of the composites, using optical and electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction for texture analysis, the influence of self-assembled particles in a thermoset polymer can be assessed. Projects will be in collaboration with Army Research Labs (ARL Ð Cooperative Research and Development Agreement) 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110140
Entities
People
- Theo Siegrist
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Florida A&M University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense