UROP Project

Investigation of Interphase in Polymer Thin Films via AFM Indentation

Research in the Advanced Materials Lab ranges from developing a fundamental understanding of new materials to working with industries to apply advanced materials to new products. Undergrads play a central role in the lab, fabricating and testing samples as well as devising new research projects. This is evidenced by the fact that several undergraduate researchers from the lab have high-impact journal publications. The main thrusts of the lab have been polymer nanocomposites and shape memory alloys, however recent work has also focused on thin polymer films that serve as “model nanocomposites” where the polymer chains near substrate surfaces form an “interphase” with modified properties relative to the bulk. This project entails probing local properties via atomic force microscopy (AFM) in order to gain a greater understanding of the polymer interphase.

Task

Students would be involved in all aspects of the project, from conceiving project ideas through writing papers. The majority of the time will be spent on sample fabrication and characterization. These tasks involve chemistry lab procedures and utilization of instruments, on which we will train the students when they arrive.

Requirements

- Basic understanding of mechanics and chemistry - General chemistry lab experience - Creativity and self-motivation - Good organizational skills