The ultimate properties of a fibrous composite system depend highly on the transverse mechanical properties of the fibers. Here, we report the size dependency of transverse elastic modulus in cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). In addition, the mechanical properties of CNCs prepared from wood and cotton resources were investigated. Nanoindentation in an...
Outdoor schools are located all over the nation. Many students attend these programs to gain science knowledge and experience nature first hand. Outdoor schools are residential programs for students in upper elementary and middle school. Many of the messages are environmental in nature and promote stewardship. The purpose of this...
Solid solutions based on the perovskite ferroelectrics Bi₀.₅Na₀.₅TiO₃ (BNT) and Bi₀.₅K₀.₅TiO₃ (BKT) might someday replace current Pb-based ferroelectric and piezoelectric devices. This is one goal of the Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) guidelines seeking to limit Pb in consumer devices. Although the Bi-based ferroelectrics are well suited to the task...
Metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) are discrete molecules comprised of a metal and interconnecting ligands. The resulting MOP structures are porous cages, and to date, they have shown great promise toward gas capture. Ammonia is a hazardous gas that is produced in enormous quantities for use in fertilizers. In this talk, I...
This work explores the electric field induced strain mechanisms in environmentally benign Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) based piezoelectric thin films. Although BNT-based materials show promise as replacements for toxic Pb-based piezoelectrics, the displacement mechanisms are not consistent between thin films and bulk materials, and the differences have yet to be well understood....
Much recent research has focused on the development lead-free perovskite piezoelectrics as environmentally compatible alternatives to lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Two main categories of lead free perovskite piezoelectric ceramic systems were investigated as potential replacements to lead zirconate titanate (PZT) for actuator devices. First, solid solutions based on Li, Ta,...