UROP Openings

Tires and multi-materials fabrication – materials analysis

Project Description

This project will investigate the general physico/chemical interaction of complex rubber materials’ stickiness to metal surfaces. Molding of rubber articles is a complex (often high temperature and pressure) process that involves various simultaneous chemical reactions paired with physical changes in viscosity, ingredient distribution and ingredient diffusion. There are applications where stickiness to the metal surface is detrimental to the final product (i.e. sticking to molds) and where it is desired (i.e. complex material assemblies). Investigation of material design parameters, constraints and limitations would allow for advanced manufacturing technologies and more optimal processes. In this project the student will analyze adhesion properties (combining simple first order modelling with experimental data analysis). Impact: This project is of broad interest to the tire manufacturing industry, to multilateral fabrication in medical devices, and broadly to joining adhesives. Of interest: • https://www.bridgestoneamericas.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility/safety/tires-101/tire-construction • https://www.ustires.org/whats-tire-0 • https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-exactly-is-the-physi/ • https://www.lord.com/products-and-solutions/adhesives/rubber-bonding/adhesion-science-rubber-metal-bonding

Pre-requisites

Experience and/or interest in Surface modelling and simulation, peel and shear simulation, machine learning and data analytics techniques.