Event Title
Investigating Polymer Nanocomposites Using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Physics, Mathematics
Mentor Information
Richard Vallery, valleryr@gvsu.edu
Department
Physics
Location
Kirkhof Center KC 68
Start Date
13-4-2011 12:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 1:00 PM
Keywords
Physical Science
Abstract
By determining the characteristics of the porosity of a polymer, one can gain a greater understanding of its properties as a whole. We can alter the free volume and mobility of strands in a polymer without altering its chemistry through the incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles, forming a polymer nanocomposite (PNC). Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) provides an effective means of determining the characteristics of the porosity of a sample PNC. Positrons from a radioactive source (Na-22) are directed into a PNC, where they form positronium (Ps). There the Ps tends to localize in voids, where the size of the pore directly affects its lifetime. By measuring the mean Ps lifetime in a PNC, we gain insight into the sample's porosity, and as a result, the sample's properties as a whole. We have formed pristine samples of a DGEBA/DDS based polymer and have examined them using our constructed PALS system. These results and the basis of further studies will be discussed.
Investigating Polymer Nanocomposites Using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy
Kirkhof Center KC 68
By determining the characteristics of the porosity of a polymer, one can gain a greater understanding of its properties as a whole. We can alter the free volume and mobility of strands in a polymer without altering its chemistry through the incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles, forming a polymer nanocomposite (PNC). Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) provides an effective means of determining the characteristics of the porosity of a sample PNC. Positrons from a radioactive source (Na-22) are directed into a PNC, where they form positronium (Ps). There the Ps tends to localize in voids, where the size of the pore directly affects its lifetime. By measuring the mean Ps lifetime in a PNC, we gain insight into the sample's porosity, and as a result, the sample's properties as a whole. We have formed pristine samples of a DGEBA/DDS based polymer and have examined them using our constructed PALS system. These results and the basis of further studies will be discussed.