This research focuses on elucidating on the processing-structure-property relationship in hierarchically-structured polymer composites that are being developed for multifunctional structures. This is accomplished through characterization of the transition in mechanical behavior that occurs across length scales and compositions by: (a) development of model hierarchically-structured composite materials using a combination of model nanoscale and microscale ingredients (carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and carbon microfibers (CMFs)) reinforcing a High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) thermoplastic polymer that can be extruded or solvent processed, (b) characterization and modeling of the transition compositions in the polymer nanocomposites through melt rheology, and (c) the effect of the CNF on the dynamic compressive behavior of CMF-reinforced polymer composites.
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