SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COBALT OXIDE NANOCOMPOSITES Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University, DMR 0611612

1. SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COBALT OXIDE NANOCOMPOSITES Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University, DMR 0611612 Faculty : Tamara Floyd-Smith (Tuskegee University), Lynden Archer (Cornell University) Students: Dwayne Vickers (Tuskegee University) The objective of this study is to synthesize cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanocubes and study their rheological behavior in suspensions of low molecular weight polyethylene glycol. This system is of interest because suspensions of cubes are expected to exhibit enhancements over traditional spherical particles for applications such as liquid body armor. These enhancements are realized because of the ability of cubes to pack more closely and uniformly based on their planar faces. A procedure for synthesizing narrow size distribution cube-shaped Co3O4 nanoparticles ranging from 40 to 60 nm has been developed. Viscous and viscoelastic properties of suspensions of the cubes in oligomeric polyethylene glycol (PEG) were investigated over a wide range of particle volume fractions. Dwayne Vickers at work at Cornell University TEM Micrograph of 55 nm Cobalt Oxide Nanocubes

2. Education and Outreach Research Experience for High-Schoolers (REH) Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University, DMR 0611612 Faculty: Mahesh Hosur, Vijaya Rangari, Yuanxin Zhou (TU) Dr. Melissa Hines (CU) and Ms. Nevjinder Singhota (CU), Students: Merlin Theodore, Sandrea B. Young, Maria Calhoun, Gregory Strawder, Jessie Mayo Jr., (TU) The objective of the REH is to involve high school students in the research on advanced materials, motivate them to consider careers in science and engineering and to help them in preparing and applying for admission to colleges. 15 students from local area high schools were identified to participate in a 2-week research experience program (June 4-14, 2007). The students were paired with PhD students who served as mentors and role models. They were given briefings covering different topics. These included: Engineering Properties, Nanotechnology and Importance of Nanotechnology, Definitions of Science, Engineering, Materials Science, & Materials Engineering, Importance of English, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics in Engineering. They were also involved in designing and building rap and mouse-trap cars. Hands-on experience in composites fabrication 2007-REH Students at Poster Session

3. Education and Outreach Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University, DMR 0611612 Participants: Pamela Leggett-Robinson (TU, Lead), Nicole Powell (TU), Albert Russell (TU), Melissa Hines (CU) and Nevjinder Singhota (CU) Objective of this five weeks summer program (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) is to: (a) build bridges between chemistry, engineering, and material science research and K-12 education; (b) involve educators in the research community; enhance the quality of pre-college education; and (c) produce classroom instructional materials that engage in and expose students to interdisciplinary learning, specifically in the area of chemistry and their community. RET supports active participation of K-12 teachers in research and education projects with the expressed intent of facilitating professional development of K-12 teachers through strengthened partnerships between institutions of higher education and local school districts. Shenika Brundidge at The Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Greenville, SC-November 2007. Highlights of Program: Shenika Brundidge attended a teacher workshop at Cornell University in October and will participate in the RET II program. The RET II program is a 2nd year research for teachers held at Cornell University. Ms. Brundidge will present this work at SERMACS 2008 in Nashville, TN.

4. Science on Saturdays (SoS) Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University, DMR 0611612 • Participants: Pamela Leggett-Robinson (TU, Lead), Gregory Prichett (TU), Nicole Powell (TU), Albert Russell (TU), Barbara Rackley (TU), Melissa Hines (CU) and Nevjinder Singhota (CU) • Objective of this activity is to provide a positive, hands-on learning experience for students in grades K-12 as well as their parents, and teachers through our SoS K-12 educational program. The SOS program utilizes our expertise as research chemists and educators to: • foster relationships with the public school system; • develop an appreciation for chemistry at the K-12 age via a constructivist approach; • increase awareness of the role of science in our everyday life; • expose elementary age students to the different areas and professions of chemistry; and • provide science education experience to the ACS student affiliates. • SoS activities are designed with a common theme; however, with increasing complexity as to accommodate the different learning capacities of each age group. Each of the themes and activities follows the FOSS K-8 scope for Science Modules, NSTA guidelines, and the State of Alabama Science guidelines. K-8 students in a SoS Session SoS 2007-2008 Demographic Data

5. SPECTROSCOPIC AND RHEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE CHEMICAL INTERACTIONS IN NANOPARTICLES – POLYMER COMPOSITES Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University, DMR 0611612 Faculty Vijaya Rangari (Tuskegee University), Melissa Hines (Cornell University) Students: Wanda Jones (Tuskegee University), Amy Richter (Cornell University) Scope of CNT applications in practical devices has been largely hampered by their poor dispersion in polymer resin and weak interfacial bonding with polymer matrix. Therefore, objective of this work was to modify the surface of CNT and obtain good dispersion of the CNTs in polymers.A novel sonochemical method was developed to coat various Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). These coated materials were infused into epoxy based resin systems for multifunctional use of nanocomposites in structural applications. FTIR and Raman techniques were applied to understand the surface characteristic of the carbon nanotubes. Thermal and mechanical properties of POSS modified carbon nanotubes infused resin systems were examined to determine influence of surface modification of the carbon nanotubes in epoxy matrix. Amy Richter (left) and Wanda Jones (right) at work at Cornell University TEM micrograph of POSS coated MWCNTs