Prof. Jandro L. Abot


Office: 727 Rhodes Hall
Mailing address: P.O. Box 210070
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0070
Tel. (513) 556-3557
Fax (513) 556-5038
Email: J dot Abot at uc dot edu

Fundamental understanding of the interphases and the thermomechanical response of novel nanoreinforced composite materials with a nanoscale phase that can impart exceptional interlaminar mechanical properties and multi-functionality. This is being done through a combined experimental, numerical and analytical approach that includes processing and fabrication of the composites, study of their structure-property relationships, their thermomechanical characterization, and modeling their constitutive behavior considering the information from the lower scales.

Development of polymeric nanocomposites

Thermomechanical characterization of polymers and polymeric composites

Thermodynamically consistent modeling of constitutive behavior of polymers

Nano-reinforced laminated composite materials

Laminated composite materials and fiber-reinforced polymers in particular are ideal engineered materials to carry loads and stresses in the fiber direction due to their high in-plane specific mechanical properties. However, interlaminar stresses can arise due to cracks and lead to a premature failure constituting their fundamental weakness. A solution to this problem is being addressed through the creation of nanoreinforced composite materials with an interphase between the composite plies that maximizes shear stress transfer.

This novel nanoreinforced laminated composite (NRLC) contains a nanoscale phase that can impart exceptional interlaminar mechanical properties and multi-functionality through the tailoring of thermal and electrical properties for sensing purposes. The fundamental understanding of the interphases and the thermomechanical response is being studied along with the effect of processing and material parameters. This is being done through a combined experimental and analytical approach that includes processing and fabrication of the composites, study of their structure-property relationships, their thermomechanical characterization, and modeling their constitutive behavior considering the information from the lower scales.

Additional research efforts include the development of novel nanocomposites, the creation of models to predict interlaminar properties as a function of fiber architecture and the development of multifunctional morphing structures.

Schematic illustration of interphase at the microscale level: fiber reinforced polymeric laminated composite and nanoreinforced fiber laminated polymeric composite.

Morphology of NRLC through ESEM images: (a) cross-section showing carbon tows in the warp and fill directions, and MWCNT array layers after mechanical characterization (the boundaries of the central layers are highlighted); (b) cross-section of the epoxy-impregnated MWCNT array layer bonded to the carbon tow in the warp direction (single filaments and small epoxy pockets are present in the interface); (c) close-up image of the epoxy-impregnated MWCNT array showing the carbon nanotubes that have been collapsed and are now aligned in the in-plane direction; (d) polymer impregnated MWCNT array layer before lamination.