Rheological Characterization of Polymer-Based Materials and Ionic Liquids at Xavier University of Louisiana
Abstract
Xavier University of Louisiana proposes to purchase a TA Instruments Discovery Hybrid Rheometer (DHR) to enhance ongoing research and STEM education within the department of chemistry. Several sample stages and accessories are also requested to accommodate several different sample types for the study of solid polymer electrolytes, polymer-ceramic composites, ionic liquids and hydrogels. The research projects that will benefit from rheological characterization include (1) the study of structure-property relationships of a novel material for use in lithium batteries, (2) optimizing the interfacial contact within polymer-ceramic composites for lithium batteries, (3) studying the temperature-dependent structural changes in imidazoliumbased ionic liquids, and (4) designing electroactive biomaterial hydrogels in an undergraduate introductory polymer chemistry course. Therefore, the requested instrumentation will benefit active research initiatives that include undergraduate researchers as well as enhance the STEM education experience for upper-level undergraduate students. Each of these projects provide essential fundamental experience in polymer and materials chemistry for undergraduate research students and STEM education at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and therefore supports the diversification of the STEM workforce. Each research project that will benefit from the ability to perform rheological measurements of polymer-based materials and ionic liquids focus on advancing our understanding of the structure-property relationships of materials. Therefore, this proposal supports research thrusts within the Department of Defense. Specifically, the research discussed in this proposal supports active interests within the Chemical Sciences and Materials Sciences Divisions within the Army Research Office. Respectively, the research projects presented in this proposal have broad applicability towards developing safer high energy storage devices and developing self-healing and responsive materials. In addition, the ability to perform comprehensive rheological characterization of materials will enhance course offerings at Xavier, since requested instrumentation will also be incorporated into an introductory polymer chemistry course for upper-level undergraduate students. This upper-level elective course is project-based and focuses on the fundamental relationship between polymer molecular structure and the resulting properties of electroactive hydrogels. This course involves training in polymer synthesis and characterization using modern synthetic and instrumental techniques. The educational and research activities of STEM undergraduate students at Xavier will also benefit from the acquisition of this instrumentation through several minority-focused student research support programs including BUILD (NIH funded), HBCU-UP (NSF funded), and NASAMIRO. Further, the principal investigator actively recruits undergraduate students with the goal of providing access to cutting-edge research in materials synthesis and characterization. The principal investigator has over 10 years of experience with rheological characterization of polymers, which also includes training/mentoring undergraduate research projects that include the use of polymer rheology for determining structure-property relationships of polymer-based materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110212
Entities
People
- Asem Abdulahad
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Xavier University of Louisiana