This $578,437 National Science Foundation project grant supports research at Texas A&M University to develop fast manufacturing techniques for high-performance thermoplastic polymer composites. The research aims to engineer the crystallinity of these composites during fast processing to achieve high stiffness, strength and toughness concurrently. Nanomaterials consisting of cellulose nanocrystals and graphene nanoplatelets will be used to control crystallinity without hazardous solvents and create a hierarchical crystalline architecture. Molecular dynamics simulations and in-situ microscopy will establish relationships between molecular interactions, semicrystalline microstructure, and mechanical properties. Outcomes seek to fill knowledge gaps enabling alternative capabilities to tailor composite microstructure at multiple length scales during manufacturing. Funded under the NSF Engineering program (CFDA 47.041), this five-year project advances national priorities in manufacturing science and technology through interdisciplinary STEM training.
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