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School of Engineering
Advanced Composites Laboratory

MFGE 4399B: Polymer Nanocomposites

Course Description

This is introductory course in polymer nanocomposites that would focus materials, manufacturing methods, characterization, and applications. It will include different types of nanomaterials that are commonly used in modifying the polymer matrix composites. The major thrust would be the challenges in manufacturing low-cost real-life components in industrial applications, commercial success stories, its impact on current established material market, and future directions.

Course Objectives

Composites materials have made miracles since last four decades in aerospace and aircraft industry. Nanomodified composites are newer materials and are under investigation in many fields including electronics, bio-medical, aerospace, sports, auto, and construction. Today’s manufacturing engineer should be aware of these new materials and it is going to open new market for future employment. This interactive course with little lab component will give students an insight of manufacturing challenges. 
  • To gain an understanding of materials commonly used for nano-modification such as nanoclays, Holloysite nanotubes (HNT™), polyhederal oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS™), carbon nanotubes, nano-graphene, etc.
  • To understand advantages and disadvantages of different thermoplastics and thermoset polymers as matrix materials.
  • To study different manufacturing techniques of dispersion of nanoparticles such as sonication, high shear mixing, centrifugal mixer, twin-screw extrusion.
  • To study different manufacturing techniques to produce real-life components such as vacuum infusion and injection molding
  • To understand characterization techniques of these materials under mechanical (static, fatigue, and impact) and thermal (glass transition temperature) loadings and exposure to fire environments
 

Required Texts

  • J.H. Koo, Polymer Nanocomposites: Processing, Characterization, and Applications, McGraw-Hill, New York (2006)  

Reference Books

  • M.J. Schulz, A.D. Kelkar, and M.J. Sundaresan (eds.), Nanoengineering of Structural, Functional, and Smart Materials, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL (2006).
  • T.J. Pinnavia and G.W. Beall (eds.), Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites, Wiley, New York (2000).
  • A.B. Morgan and C.A. Wilkie (eds.), Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites, Wiley, New York (2007).
  • C.A. Harper and E.M. Petrie, Plastics Materials and Processes: A Concise Encyclopedia, Wiley, New York (2003).
  • Selective technical papers