Structure and Properties of Nanocomposites

Faculty Participants: Lukehart, Xu, Wright

The Lukehart research group develops novel synthesis strategies for the preparation of a wide variety of nanocomposite materials which exhibit interesting nanoscale structures and enhanced properties.  Types of nanocomposite materials under current investigation include silica xerogel nanocomposites, such as a Bi-Te/silica xerogel nanocomposite prepared via sol-gel processing (see Figure 2), graphitic carbon nanofiber/ceramic hybrid materials, graphitic carbon nanofiber/organic polymer hybrid materials, and ceramic/organic polymer hybrid nanocomposite materials. By minimizing interface effects and through variation of the material composition, properties such as mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion can be controlled.

BiTe hexagons attachment