2023-07-29 05:00:00
Composite materials are about to experience a significant transformation thanks to the scientific innovation of Dr. Amir Asadi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution of theTexas A&M University.
His team has developed a new method for integrating nanostructures into high-performance composites, paving the way for potential applications in various fields such as electronics, energy storage, transportation and consumer products.
Dr. Asadi’s approach provides a solution to a major challenge in materials science: to simultaneously improve two properties — multifunctionality and structural integrity — in composite materials, which consist of two or more materials with different properties. He incorporated nanostructures to eliminate the trade-off typically seen between these properties, making it unnecessary to sacrifice one property to improve the other.
He explains : “Currently, manufacturing materials with maximized functionality and structural performance is considered paradoxical. For example, increasing electrical conductivity often reduces resistance or vice versa; increasing strength generally decreases fracture toughness.“
Inspired by nature
However, Dr. Asadi is inspired by natural structures, such as an elephant’s trunk, which have seemingly incompatible properties.
He declares : “Natural structures with properties considered incompatible in current engineering already exist, such as an elephant’s trunk which is both rigid and strong, but also flexible and tricky for handling small vegetables, while having the functionality of communication and sensing, all resulting from its hydrostatic muscle architecture.“
A CO2 assisted atomization technique
The research team used a unique method to tune the amphiphilicity of several nanomaterials. They created and combined specific patterns, which made it possible to control the final properties of the composite materials. To do this, they used a precise spray system with carbon dioxide (CO2) to deposit the patterns on the surface of the carbon fibers. This allowed them to control droplet size, microscale patterns, and material interactions, to ultimately achieve the desired properties.
We have developed a new spraying technique, called supercritical CO2 assisted atomization, which exploits the properties of supercritical CO2 and its strong dissolution in water, capable of creating several small droplets in a suspension composed of water and nanomaterials, ” said Dr. Dorrin Jarrahbashi, co-author of the article.
Perspectives et implications
Dr. Asadi’s approach offers a practical, scalable, and economically viable method for creating nanostructured materials and components with tunable properties. The variety of materials used and the precise control of multi-scale architecture enhance the versatility and customization potential of composites.
This pioneering work, funded by two grants from the National Science Foundation, has been published in Advanced Materials. Dr. Asadi acknowledges the invaluable contribution of his PhD students, as well as the collaborative efforts of Dr. Lisa Perez and Dr. Jarrahbashi, in the success of this research.
For a better understanding
1. What is a composite material?
A composite material is a material made up of two or more distinct materials which, when combined, produce unique performance characteristics that could not be achieved if the materials were used separately. They are often used to make objects that are both light and resistant.
2. How does Dr. Asadi improve the properties of composite materials?
Dr. Asadi and his team have developed a method that integrates nanostructures into high performance composite materials. This innovation aims to simultaneously improve two key properties — multifunctionality and structural integrity — without having to sacrifice one for the other, which is usually the case with current manufacturing methods.
3. What is the inspiration behind this new method?
Dr. Asadi’s team was inspired by nature to develop this method. For example, an elephant’s trunk is an example of a natural structure that combines properties that would be considered incompatible in modern engineering: it is both rigid and strong, but also flexible and delicate.
4. How does the CO2 assisted atomization technique work?
This technique uses a precise spray system with carbon dioxide (CO2) to deposit patterns of nanomaterials on the surface of carbon fibers. This allows control of droplet size, microscale patterns, and material interactions, ultimately achieving the desired properties of the composite material.
5. What are the potential implications of this research?
Dr. Asadi’s work could revolutionize the manufacture of high-performance composite materials. This could have a significant impact not only on the scientific and industrial sector, but also on daily life, contributing to the improvement of devices, the establishment of more efficient energy systems and the creation of innovative products.
Synthetic
Dr. Asadi’s research has the potential to revolutionize the manufacture of high performance composites. It demonstrates the impact this research could have beyond the scientific community: “Research promises to impact lives. The simple yet scalable technique we have introduced will reduce the end cost of complex devices and expand the fabrication of nanostructured composites, contributing to the US economy and labor market. This could translate into improved devices, more efficient energy systems and innovative products that improve everyday life.“
Main illustration caption: Researchers are using disc and ring formations of several nanomaterials to adapt the multifunctionality and improve the performance of composites.
Article : “Multifunctionality through Embedding Patterned Nanostructures in High-Performance Composites” – DOI 10.1002/adma.202300948
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