We synthesize and tailor nanomaterials like vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron nitride nanotubes(BNNTs) and use them to reinforce high-performance polymer and ceramic composites for improved toughness, stiffness, and multifunctional capabilities while keeping the weight low.
Scalebar: 1 µm; Image Reference: [1] Dai J et al, "Silicon Oxycarbide Nanocomposite Laminates Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes of High Degree of Alignment and Ultrahigh Packing Density." At the 38th Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites
We explore advanced processing methods to engineer nanostructured ceramics that exhibit unique deformation behaviors—such as enhanced ductility and fracture resistance—not typically seen in conventional bulk ceramics. These deformation mechanisms could enable wider application of ceramic materials in aerospace applications, especially those requiring structural robustness under extreme environments.
Scalebar: 2 µm; Image Reference: [2] Dai J, et al. Nonbrittle nanopore deformation of anodic aluminum oxide membranes. Journal of the American Ceramic Society. 2018 May;101(5):2170-80.
We integrate nanomaterials into carbon or glass fiber-reinforced composites to enable energy-efficient, out-of-autoclave manufacturing and improve structural performance, interlaminar strength, and added functionality.
Scalebar: 500 µm; Image Reference: [3] Dai J, et al. "Out of Autoclave Manufacturing of Void-free Woven Aerospace-grade Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Laminates Using Capillary Effects of Aerogel Nanoporous Networks." AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum. 2023.
We investigate low-energy sintering and hybrid processing of regolith materials to fabricate strong, multifunctional building materials for space infrastructure, targeting enhanced radiation shielding capability and mechanical reinforcement.
Image Credit: NASA JPL