Control Strategy for High-Performance Macromolecular Materials

摘要

This contract has led to a design and control capability for high performance, nano-composite materials. Results obtained explicitly link material performance properties to detailed modeling of flow processing. The target materials are nematic polymer nano-composites in which nano-elements are high-aspect-ratio rods or platelets with extreme property contrasts relative to the matrix. Benchmark prototype materials yield striking enhancements in multi- functional properties. A suite of modeling tools for design engineering, which did not exist previously, have been developed. We have developed key theoretical, modeling, and numerical tools for modeling nano-composite permeability to gases or liquids, high electrical conductivity, high and low thermal conductivity, and elastic moduli, and have developed an integrated model and simulation package, capable of direct predictions as well as inverse characterization tools. In this 9 month period, we have arrived at the key ingredients for a property control strategy.