The basic and applied research focuses on the design, synthesis, and development of advanced concepts and methods concerning the in situ synthesis of refractory nanocrystalline solid ceramics in one-step from a polymeric method, novel compounds/resins/polymers with unique high-temperature properties, flame resistant composites and novel thermal protection system technologies. Potential applications for the innovative materials include structural (e.g., hypersonic vehicles, aircraft, ship, automobile, and missile), energy (nuclear, battery, solar, windmill, and fuel cell), water purification, air filtration, coating, and composite applications. Our research activities have resulted in the development and transition to applied DOD programs and to industry of novel high-temperature polymers/composites, and a new inexpensive method for the direct fabrication of nanocrystalline shaped refractory ceramics without the need of hot press sintering of ceramic powders. A wide range of instruments is available for characterization and evaluation studies of the new materials in addition collaborations with other DoD laboratories, industrial partners and academic institutions.

 

References

Laskoski, M., Prestigiacomo, J., Dyatkin, B., Keller, T. M., Mahzabeen, W., Shepherd, A. R., Osofsky, M. (2021). Synthesis and material properties of polymer-derived niobium carbide and niobium nitride nanocrystalline ceramics. Ceramics International, 47(1), 1163-1168.

Laskoski, M., Shepherd, A. R., Mahzabeen, W., Clarke, J. S., Keller, T. M., Sorathia, U. (2018). Sustainable, fire-resistant phthalonitrile-based glass fiber composites. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, 56(11), 1128-1132.

Dyatkin, B., Laskoski, M., Edelen III, W. K., Qadri, S. B., Keller, T. M. (2021). Synthesis, structure, and properties of polymer-derived, metal-reinforced boron carbide cermet composites. International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, 18(2), 457-471.

Dyatkin, B., Osti, N. C., Smith, R. W., Tyagi, M., Butler, T., Laskoski, M. (2020). Chemical structure and curing dynamics of bisphenol S, PEEK-like, and resveratrol phthalonitrile thermoset resins. Journal of Polymer Science, 58(24), 3419-3431.

 

key words

Ceramics; Polymers; Resins; Heterocyclic chemistry; Carbon-carbon composites; Organic matrix composites; additive manufacturing; 3D printing;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.