Innovative Structural Joining Concepts and Analysis Techniques

A new joining principle is proposed where a massive number of physical and mechanical bonds between responsive nanostructured constituents bridge the (rough) joining surfaces. Recent advances in nanostructured materials, linked supramolecular systems and directed self-assembly techniques provide the technological basis for developemnt of the proposed joining mechanism. The new joining principle has been inspired by the formation of double-helices (e.g., DNA) in nature, where a massive number of physical (hydrogen) bonds provide for strong adherence of the two nanohelices. Our approach employs the directed self-assembly technique to deposit functional nanohelices as aligned, compact and well-adhered deposits onto surfaces. External stimuli will be used to engage the nanohelices on opposite surfaces, generating a massive number of physical and mechanical bonds for effective joining of the two surfaces. The proposed Phase I research will validate the double-helix joining concept through development, characterization and preliminary modeling of double-helix joints between selected composite surfaces.