IMR: Acquisition of a Twin Screw Extruder for Polymer/Bio Nanocomposite Research and Education

North Dakota State University Fargo, Fargo ND

Investigators

Abstract

This is an instrument acquisition award from the Instrumentation for Materials Research program to North Dakota State University (NDSU). The instrument will provide a polymer processing capability for polymer/bio nanocomposite research and education at NDSU. The equipment is an 18 mm twin-screw extruder for intense polymeric and composite shearing, mixing and reacting. The extruder is ideal for highly exfoliated nanoplatelet dispersion in a polymer matrix and for polymer-hydroxyapatite mixing for scaffold applications. Several active NSF funded research in materials processing and biomaterials will benefit from the new instrument. Theses are multidisciplinary research in: (1) processing and materials characterization of polymer blends and composites, (2) fabrication of cost-effective substitutes for carbon nanotubes; (3) polymer processing; (4) multiscale modeling of smectite clay nanocomposites; (5) structural biomimetic nanocomposites (nacre); (6) processing of nanomaterials, nanofibers and nanocomposites; and (7) composite processing, and herringbone reactive graphitic carbon nanofiber. The instrument will also have impact on biomaterials research at the Mayo Clinic and mechanical engineering at 3M. The cost of the instrument development is partially supported by 3M. The award will have significant impact on education and outreach to minorities and will help prepare students for employment in local industries. This is an instrument acquisition award from the Instrumentation for Materials Research program to North Dakota State University (NDSU). The instrument will provide a polymer processing capability for polymer/bio nanocomposite research and education at NDSU. The equipment is an 18 mm twin-screw extruder for polymers and nano-composite. Several active NSF funded research in materials processing and biomaterials will benefit from the new instrument. The equipment will contribute to the broader educational and industrial developments of polymer processing, polymer science and engineering in the upper Midwest region. It will also have an impact on biomaterials research at the Mayo Clinic and mechanical engineering at 3M. The latter provides partial support to the instrument development. The award will have significant impact on education and outreach to minorities and will help prepare students for employment in local industries.at 3M. The latter provides partial support to the instrument development.