Acquisition of Thermomechanical and Rheological Material Testing Systems for Research and Educational Training in the Characterization of Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Nanocomposites
Abstract
Fiber reinforce polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly considered for defense applications. They offer better durability, corrosion resistance, fatigue life, design flexibility, reduced maintenance, higher specific strength and stiffness, compared to metallic materials. Due to their reduced weight, structures and vehicles made of composites, such as modern ships, submarines, armored military vehicles and aircrafts, provide more agility and fuel economy, and reduced cost over the life-time. Many types of polymers are utilized along with fibers such as glass, carbon, and kevlar¨, for these applications. Beside the structural applications, polymeric composites also find applications in antennas, sensors, coating, electromagnetic shielding, microwave absorption, electric energy storage, actuators, telecommunications, lubricants, radiation resistance, fire retardation, corrosion protection, and many more. Almost all polymers exhibit viscoelastic behavior with their thermal and mechanical properties varying as functions of temperature and time. In recent years, many additives are added to the polymers and their fiber reinforced composites, at nanoscale, in order to obtain improved thermal, mechanical, viscoelastic, and multi-functional properties. When these nanomaterials are added to the polymers, which are then used to fabricate laminated fiber reinforced composites, their properties are significantly altered. Some of these include their viscosities, temperatures at which they degrade and/or undergo changes from glassy to rubbery state, the rate and the degree of polymerization that take place, etc. These changes have important implications that require accurate characterization so that correct processing conditions can be optimized to obtain the maximum benefits of adding nanoparticles into polymers. Texas A&M University-Kingsville, at present does not have any capabilities to carry out these characterizations. Hence, we seek to obtain a set of equipments that are capable of charactering polymers and polymer nanocomposites from TA Instruments who are world leaders in the manufacturing of these equipment. These include Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA), Rheometer, and a precise balance for various thermomechanical and viscoelastic property determination to help processing of nanocomposites and predict their durability. The proposed research, while addressing many of DoD materials needs, specifically will address the research interests of the Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology as per the Long term Board Agency Announcement ONR BAA #N00014-19-S-B001, The Sea Warfare and Weapons Department (Code 33). It will address the research needs of Structural materials of Naval Materials Science and Technology (Division 332), specifically: bulk nanostructured materials, composites materials development and processing; fracture and fatigue damage of Naval structural materials. The outcomes of the activities will also be relevant to survivability and platform structures program of Ship Systems and Engineering research (Division 331). Further, it will also contribute to the ONR mission of developing new scientists and engineers for navy-unique technological areas through education and outreach endeavors, especially underrepresented Hispanics to increase diversity in the workforce, while building the research capabilities of the institution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 02, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210153
Entities
People
- Mahesh Hosur
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Texas A&M University–Kingsville