Interface Driven and Bio-mimetic Design of 3D Hybrid Materials

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dc.contributor.advisorAjayan, Pulickel M.en_US
dc.contributor.committeeMemberLou, Junen_US
dc.creatorOwuor, Peter Samoraen_US
dc.date.accessioned2019-05-17T16:24:45Zen_US
dc.date.available2019-05-17T16:24:45Zen_US
dc.date.created2018-12en_US
dc.date.issued2018-10-19en_US
dc.date.submittedDecember 2018en_US
dc.date.updated2019-05-17T16:24:46Zen_US
dc.description.abstractThe discovery of Graphene, carbon nanotubes and subsequent other nano-materials led to an explosion in research geared towards utilizing their intriguing mechanical, physical and chemical properties. While the physical properties of nanomaterials have been extensively explored, the assembly in a bottom-up approach to design hybrid 3D nanostructures by taking advantage of their interfacial properties still needs a deeper inquiry. This thesis scope is to answer four key questions;  What role does the interfacial region plays in macro-scale materials properties?  Is the same effect of interfacial region at macro-scale applies to the nano-scale materials?  Is there a means to modify the interface region to assemble 3D hybrid structures?  What are the resulting applications of such design in materials? To address the aforementioned questions, novel synthetic and biomimetic strategies were employed. The first detour of the thesis delves into the chemical process where functionalization and freeze-drying methods are used to fabricate porous carbon nanotubes (CNT) with self-stiffening behavior. The chemical approach is then applied to zero-dimensional SiO2 nanoparticles to fabricate three-dimensional nanostructures with improved fire-retardant capability. Next, the thesis explores the physical methods in assembling 3D structures where graphene oxide foam is chemically and physically reinforced with polymer molecule to fabricate an oil absorption and electrical resistant foam. The thesis further develops a new method to functionalize hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) to enable their networking forming property resulting in high porous foam for CO2 absorption. The above solutions all relates to what is referred to as ‘hard interface’ therefore there was a need to explore ‘mobile interface’ like those found in nature. In this regard, a new area of study was developed; solid-liquid composite in macro-scale materials. Here, the thesis presents two new approaches; high damping composite by addition of liquid metal in a polymer matrix and optical and stiffness switching of a phase change composite. Finally, the thesis attempts to combine the two interfaces in hybrid materials. The most important contribution of this thesis is the new techniques which can be used to design advanced composites. Furthermore, a new subset of solid-liquid composites which have never been looked at in terms of mechanical properties is brought-forth. Finally, the peer-reviewed papers published should form a basis for future scientists with plans to pursue this field.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen_US
dc.identifier.citationOwuor, Peter Samora. "Interface Driven and Bio-mimetic Design of 3D Hybrid Materials." (2018) Diss., Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105867">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105867</a>.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/105867en_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.en_US
dc.subjectCarbon Nanotubesen_US
dc.subjectGraphene Oxideen_US
dc.subjectHexagonal Boron Nitrideen_US
dc.subjectEgg whiteen_US
dc.subjectGalliumen_US
dc.subjectSilicon Dioxideen_US
dc.subjectWaxen_US
dc.subjectPDMSen_US
dc.titleInterface Driven and Bio-mimetic Design of 3D Hybrid Materialsen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.type.materialTexten_US
thesis.degree.departmentMaterials Science and NanoEngineeringen_US
thesis.degree.disciplineEngineeringen_US
thesis.degree.grantorRice Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelDoctoralen_US
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophyen_US
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