Dielectric and Rheological Characterization of Chiral Cellulose Nanocrystal Polymer Composites

RAP opportunity at National Institute of Standards and Technology     NIST

Dielectric and Rheological Characterization of Chiral Cellulose Nanocrystal Polymer Composites

Location

Material Measurement Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering Division

opportunity location
50.64.21.C0299 Gaithersburg, MD

NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.

Advisers
name email phone
Jan Obrzut [email protected] 301.975.6845
Christopher L. Soles [email protected] 301.975.8087
Description

This research is focused on the development and use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in polymer composite materials. The controllable fabrication of these materials requires the identification, understanding and quantification of the parameters that dictate the final film morphology (pitch, chirality), and the resulting dielectric and mechanical properties. Of our particular interest is quantification and control of affinity to moisture and shear transfer ability of CNC interfaces in their heliocoidal assemblies.

References:

[1] Bharath Natarajan et al; “Dielectric Characterization of Confined Water in Chiral CelluloseNanocrystal Films”  ACS Appl. Materials and Interfaces: v9 pp.14222 (2017)

[2] Bharath Natarajan et al; “Binary Cellulose Nanocrystal Blends for Bioinspired Damage Tolerant Photonic Films”, Adv. Func Materials: v28,pp.1800032 (2018). 

key words

Cellulose nanocrystals; Chiral nematic structure; Water confinement; Dielectric properties; Helicoidal composites,

Eligibility

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Stipend
Base Stipend Travel Allotment Supplementation
$82,764.00 $3,000.00