Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM)

GOALS OF TUSKEGEE-CORNELL PREM

• To establish joint research programs
• To strengthen TU’s Ph.D. program in MSE
• To offer a distance learning program
• To develop a faculty and student exchange program
• To initiate a formal mentoring program
• To offer outreach programs for community college and high school
  teachers and students

Ph.D student Nydeia Wright (Mat. Sc. Engg) with undergraduate student Chadwick Corbett (Chem. Engg.)

In collaboration with scientists at Cornell, some of the fundamental issues concerning the nanophased composites are being addressed. These issues include: the nature of interaction between organic host and inorganic guest, manipulation of processing conditions to improve the chemical bonding between the guest and the host, improvement in materials properties on a molecular scale, effect of nanoparticle infusion on the fracture behavior, and the resulting influence on the failure modes. The research activities are as follows: Research Group-I: Investigation of the Chemical and Physical Effects of Nanoparticles on the Cure and Relaxation Behavior of Polymer Nanocomposites The objectives of this research are:

• To study the relaxation dynamics of polymer chain segments in thermoset based nanocomposites.
• To determine the effect of tethering and confinement of polymer molecules on rheological properties and, hence processability.
• To use atomistic and rheological modeling to gain an understanding of these systems.

Task 1: Effect of Organically Modified Silicates on the Cure Behavior and Morphology Development and Relaxation Dynamics of Thermoset Based Nanocomposites

Task 2: Establish the effect of surface tethering and polymer confinement between nanoparticle surfaces on the rheology and processability of thermoplastic polymers

Task 3: Atomistic and Rheological Modeling

Research Group-II: Studies of Particle-Polymer Binding and Failure Modes in Structural Nanocomposites

In collaboration between the Tuskegee researchers and scientists at Cornell, we are trying to answer the following questions:

• What is the nature of the interaction between the organic host and the inorganic guest?
• In particular, are new chemical bonds formed?
• By intelligently manipulating the processing conditions, can we introduce additional chemical bonding between host and guest? Presumably, additional bonding will further enhance the properties of the nanocomposite.
• Can we understand the improvement in materials properties on a molecular scale?
• Will changes on a molecular scale be reflected in macroscopic structural properties?
• Will nanoparticle infusion affect the fiber/matrix interface properties and consequently alter failure modes of structural composites?
• How do the fracture toughness parameters, such as strain energy release rate and stress intensity factors change when the nanoparticles are introduced in the matrix?
• Is it possible to predict failure of nanocomposites under quasi-static or dynamic loading conditions?

In an attempt to address the above issues we will pursue the following tasks which will be carried out by team of researchers from Tuskegee and Cornell.

Task-1: Surface Chemical Investigations of Inorganic Guest-Organic Host Binding

Task 2: Fracture Analysis and Prediction of Failures of Nanocomposites

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Tuskegee University’s Center for Advanced Materials (T-CAM) has extensive expertise in educational and outreach activities. The Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR), which houses the MRSEC, also promotes cross-linked programs in the areas of research, human resources development and outreach, directing substantial time and efforts sharing their expertise and resources with a broad community. The two universities will collaborate on education and outreach programs covering:

• Course Development
• Science on Saturdays
• Research Experience for High School Students
• Research Experience for Teachers
• Research Experience for Undergraduates
• Co-Advising and Faculty Exchange
• Seminars and Distance Learning
• Mentoring and Mentoring Workshops
• Faculty & Student Exchange and Co-advising

Cornell Students

The Tuskegee-Cornell collaboration will involve undergraduate, graduate students and faculty exchanges motivated by outreach as well as research considerations. As part of this collaboration, the following 5 graduates and one undergraduate student will spend time in summer 2007 at Cornell University.

1. Wanda Jones, Ph. D, Advisors: Rangari (TU), Hines (Cornell)
2. David Baah, M.S., Advisors: Floyd-Smith (TU), Archer (Cornell)
3. Shirron LeShore, M.S., Advisors: Ludwick (TU), Frey (Cornell)
4. Tiffany Taylor, M.S., Advisors: Leggett-Robinson (TU), Archer (Cornell)
5. Dwayne Vickers, M.S., Advisors: Floyd-Smith (TU), Archer (Cornell)
6. Shamira Theodore, B.S., Advisors: Floyd Smith (TU), (Cornell)

Based on the outcomes during this period, exchanges may be extended to semi-annual basis during the subsequent years.