Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year. (2017-2018 to 2022-2023)

With the advent of the Internet of Things and Industrie 4.0, the development of miniature, cost-effective and reliable devices is becoming ever more important for today’s society. Nano and micro scale manufacturing has become an “enabling” technology for a variety of applications by combining material science, engineering and manufacturing. We propose to research the manufacturing of multifunctional nanocomposites. Smart polymeric nanocomposites are considered promising new materials. A lot of attention is being paid to carbon-based nanoparticles, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphenes, due to their outstanding mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. A minute amount of carbon-based nanoparticulates added to polymer components can significantly enhance their functionalities. Precision manufacturing, through a combination of additive and subtractive processes, of multifunctional composites is vital in order to achieve portability, excellent energy usage and sensing capabilities. The goals of this program are in-depth knowledge and the development of cost-effective 3D nano-patterned devices using a variety of nanocomposites that synergistically enhance functionalities.

Polymeric nanocomposites will be deposited onto desired substrates utilizing novel spraying and deposition methods. The carbon nanoparticulates will be functionalized with iron oxides, so that the carbon nanoparticulates can be aligned with magnetic fields. The electrodes will be deposited using proprietary copper nanoparticle based inks, and photo sintering will generate conductive paths onto flexible substrates. In order to obtain the desired functionalities, processes will be optimized through modeling, since there are several challenges associated with uniform dispersion and thickness control.

To further enhance functionalities of nanocomposites, we will investigate nano mechanical machining utilizing an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe to remove material and generate patterns onto the nanocomposites. Traditional tip-based machining is limited in the fabrication of grooves and often results in high side pileups. To tackle this challenge, we will implement vibration-assisted nano mechanical machining by externally vibrating the samples while the tool removes a portion of the workpiece. This will mimic rotational cutting to shear the workpiece, in order to reduce the cutting forces and be able to generate 3D shapes.

The technological outcomes through the proposed program will be the catalysts for other novel applications and developments in Canada, and the advancements will promote technology transfer to industrial partners. Moreover, this research is very important for the interdisciplinary training of highly qualified personnel, who will learn design, material science, vibrations, manufacturing, simulation and control.