University of Toronto – TechConnect Briefs

Effect of CNT Morphology and Alignment on the Interfacial and the Elastic Properties of Nanocomposites

Alian A.R., Meguid S.A., University of Toronto, CA

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are typically curved, agglomerated and aggregated as a result of van der Waal interactions and electrostatic forces. It has been proven experimentally that CNT morphology and alignment affect the mechanical, electrical, and [...]

Advanced Characterization of Nanoporous Gold

El-Zoka A.A., Newman R.C., Langelier B., University of Toronto, CA

The interest in nanoporous metals, formed by controlled dealloying of noble metal alloys, has been increasing due to the promising capabilities of such materials. The functionality of NPG is heavily affected by attributes such as [...]

In situ TEM/STEM of the Coarsening of Nanoporous Gold

El-Zoka A.A., Howe J., Newman R.C., Perovic D., University of Toronto, CA

Nanoporous gold (NPG) is usually fabricated by the selective electrolytic dissolution (dealloying) of Ag from a binary Ag-Au alloy, or sometimes from a ternary alloy such as Ag- Au-Pt. The resulting ligament-pore structure is bicontinuous [...]

The Coupled Electro-Mechanical Behaviour of Nanocomposites

Wernik J.M., Meguid S.A., University of Toronto, CA

In the past two decades, practical realisation of composites began to shift from microscale-reinforced composites to nano-reinforced composites using carbon nanotubes (CNTs). There are a number of advantages that result from dispersing CNTs into polymeric [...]

Multifunctional Nanocomposites: Modeling and Characterization

Wernik J.M., Meguid S.A., University of Toronto, CA

Unlike traditional adhesive bonds, where only one material property is enhanced, multifunctional systems are capable of fulfilling several design requirements (e.g., strength/toughness, sensing, actuation, and condition monitoring). In this research, we intend to introduce this [...]

Fabrication of Nanoporous Metals by Dealloying of Ternary Alloys: Evaluation of their Electrocatalytic Properties

Vega A., Newman R.C., University of Toronto, CA

Novel nanoporous metals from ternary precursors (i.e., AgAu(Pt) alloys with a platinum content of 1, 2 and 4 at.%) have been developed by electrochemical dealloying. These structures represent a class of functional materials with intriguing [...]

Interfacial Shear Strengths of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polymer Composites

Wernik J.M., Ornwell-Mott B.J.C., Meguid S.A., University of Toronto, CA

This paper expands on the existing literature of CNT polymer interfaces and describes the development of a multiscale computational model used to investigate the interfacial properties of nonbonded CNT polymer systems. Specifically, in this work, [...]

Vapor-assisted bonding of poly(dimethylsiloxane) and silicon-based substrates

Sofla A.Y.N., Martin C., University of Toronto, CA

We present a novel method to reliably bond PDMS to glass, Si, SiO2 and PDMS. In this vapor-assisted method the surface of the PDMS is first brought into contact with the substrate. The PDMS-substrate structure [...]

Atomistic-Based Continuum Modeling of the Interfacial Properties of Structural Adhesive Bonds

Wernik J.M., Meguid S.A., Ruda H., University of Toronto, CA

This work is concerned with the multiscale modeling of nano-reinforced structural adhesive bonds (SABs) that are typically used in the transport industry, with the aerospace sector being the prime target. Specifically, it is our objective [...]

Inkjet ink containing inorganic doped semiconductor (ZnS:Mn) nanoparticle pigments

Angelo P.D., Farnood R.R., University of Toronto, CA

A jettable inkjet ink containing dispersed inorganic semiconductor (ZnS:Mn) pigments has been prepared using colloidal synthesis. This ink was deposited using an inkjet printer to form printed lines of luminescent material. Different binder polymers were [...]