Strengthening Of Polymers Via Nanoparticle Reinforcement – A True Nano-Scaled Phenomenon

Thursday, January 21, 2010 - 5:00 p.m. to Friday, January 22, 2010 - 5:55 p.m.
CEE Seminar

Featuring Professor H.-J. Sue, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Polymer Technology Center
Texas A&M University

Location:  Engineering Gateway E3161
Free and open to the public

Abstract:

Nanoscaled phenomena in materials are fascinating, but also elusive.  Materials down to nanometer scales, typically < 15 nm, exhibit unusual physical and mechanical behaviors. For instance, when the size of semiconductor particles is reduced to a few nanometers, they exhibit enhanced quantum size-/shape-dependent optical and electronic properties, which greatly broaden their potential applications.  Furthermore, when well dispersed, nanoparticles exhibit extremely high surface-to-volume ratio; their surface and interfacial properties become dominant. Consequently, incorporation of finely dispersed nanophase structure(s) in polymer matrices can significantly alter the physical and mechanical properties of the hosting polymer.  In this presentation, three examples of unusual nanoscaled phenomena in polymers will be reported.  They include (1) nano-rubber toughening phenomenon in epoxy, (2) nano-dispersion phenomenon of ZnO in epoxy, and (3) nano-hybrid particle strengthening of epoxy.  The possible roles of nanoparticles and their interface/interphase on influencing Tg, modulus, ductility, and fracture toughness of polymer matrices are addressed.  The implication of the above findings for improving physical and mechanical properties of polymers is also discussed. 

About the Speaker:
H.-J. Sue, Ph.D., is a full professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University (TAMU), since 1995. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Chung-Yuan Christian University, Taiwan, in 1981.  He then obtained his master's and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan in 1985, 1987, and 1988, respectively.  Before joining TAMU, Sue was employed by Dow Chemical at Freeport, TX, for about seven years.  He has focused most of his research work on fundamental understanding of structure-property relationship of polymeric materials.  His recent research interests include micro- and nano-scratch behavior of polymers and preparation of nanomaterials for nanotechnology applications. Sue is currently the director of the Polymer Technology Center at TAMU.