FunctionallyGradedPolymerMatrixNano-Compositesby.PDFVIP

Functionally Graded Polymer Matrix Nano-Composites by Solid Freeform Fabrication: A Preliminary Report Richard Chartoff, Brian McMorrow, and Pierre Lucas Department of Material Science and Engineering University of Arizona; Arizona Materials Laboratory Tucson, Arizona 85712, USA ABSTRACT A research program has been initiated to develop a Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) technology for combining nanosized particulate or fiber reinforcements with a photocurable thermoset matrix resin in order to produce functional graded composites. The composites that are being studied initially are optical components filled with nano-phase ceramic particles that form gradient refractive index lenses (GRIN). The Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) method employs an ink-jet deposition (IJD) process to form the composites. The IJD process has the advantage of incorporating nano-reinforcements into a low viscosity matrix resin that is relatively easy to process and rapidly photocures to produce functional polymeric parts. It also has the advantage that major modifications to the basic SFF processing methodology are not necessary. The emphasis in the program is on demonstrating the feasibility of this approach for fabrication of gradient refractive index lenses (GRIN), which are flat instead of the traditional spherical lens geometry. As a result these lenses will be less costly to produce than conventional curved lenses. SFF is an ideal technique for meeting the needs of GRIN lens fabrication because changes in composition can be made from layer to layer and even within each layer, allowing for the introduction of compositional and structural gradients. Thus it has the potential for creating