Topic: New Paradigm in Manufacturing of Low-Cost Carbon Fibers and Multifunctional Polymer Matrix Composites
Speaker: Dr. Amit Naskar (Group Leader, Carbon & Composite Group, Oak Ridge National Lab)
Date: September 18th, 2022
Time: 2 PM EST
Zoom Link: Provided in NITROAA WhatsApp and Telegram groups
Abstract: Transportation industries desire lightweight materials because they can increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although lightweight, fiber-reinforced polymer matrix structural composite materials can offer significant advantages to the automotive industry, manufacturing protocols are not yet competitive with conventional processing methods such as metal stamping. We have adopted a concerted interdisciplinary research approach to overcome the barriers to realizing such technology. Our research approach involves new chemistry and processing methods of high yield carbon precursors, polymer matrix-reinforcing fiber interfacial engineering, high- and low-shear rheology of materials, tailoring performance based on application need and development of multifunctional self-sensing composites. We aim to control structures in multiphase soft matter matrix, consisting of a rigid reinforcing segment and a soft flexible segment, with adequate interfacial adhesion between these two phases. This allows us to devise soft matter-based easy-to-process novel composites. This presentation will give an overview of our approach to enhance the performance and functionality of new fiber-reinforced composites. We also conduct conversion of renewables to engineered bioproducts and biocomposites with superior performance and 3D printability. These materials can have potential applications as structural and semi-structural components in an automotive, building, and other household applications. Successful industrial adoption and commercialization of our processes will also be presented.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Amit Naskar is a distinguished research staff member and leader of the Carbon and Composites Group in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Chemical Sciences Division. His areas of research emphasis include chemistries of alternative carbon fiber precursors, sustainable polymeric materials, upcycling of biomass wastes, reactive extrusion and 3D printing of polymer and composites. Amit earned his Ph.D. in Rubber Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India and conducted post-doctoral research at Clemson University, SC before joining ORNL in 2006. Honored by Distinguished Achievement Award from US Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office (2020), Distinguished Inventor Award by Battelle Memorial Institute (2019) and ORNL Inventor of the year (2017), Amit has authored well over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals, has 30 issued US patents, 1 edited book, 4 book chapters, and numerous abstracts in conference proceedings.
