UB - University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

Materials

Faculty

• Chopra, H.
• Chung, D.
• Hua, S.Z.
• John Fu
• James Felske (Associated Faculty)

Laboratories

• Composite Materials Research Laboratory

Research Summaries

Giant and Ballistic Magnetoresistance

Research is focused on magnetic multilayers that exhibit the giant magnetoresistance effect and magnetic nanocontacts that show ballistic magnetoresistance. Ongoing studies involve magneto-electron transport across nano-constrictions of atomic dimensions, chemistry of ballistic contacts, and micromagnetic studies.

H. CHOPRA.

Ballistic Nanocontacts

These are single atom or a few atom large electrical conductors. These quantum electrical conductors are being studied for their electron transport behavior for making magnetic and chemical sensors.

H. CHOPRA.

Giant Magnetostriction Effect

Research is focused on synthesis and characterization of GMS thin films and multilayers for mechanical transduction in MEMS. Focus is on attaining high strain susceptibility at low switching fields.

H. CHOPRA.

Magnetic Shape Memory Effect

Research is focused on magnetic SMAs for field induced strains (instead of the sluggish temperature dependent shape memory effect). Research includes micromagnetics and dynamics of bulk and thin films magnetic SMAs and their magneto-elastic behavior.

H. CHOPRA.

Multifunctional Structural Materials and Smart Materials

Structural composites, with matrices including polymers and cement, capable of functions such as strain/damage/temperature sensing, thermal insulation, vibration damping, radio wave reflection, energy storage/generation, etc.

D.D.L. CHUNG.

Electronic Packaging and Thermal Management Materials

Materials for electrical interconnections, electrical insulation, heat transfer, electromagnetic interference shielding, etc.

D.D.L. CHUNG.

Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip

We are interested in the development of multi-functional microfluidic chips, a technology commonly referred to as "lab-on-a-chip". The research is primarily focused on developing novel fluid sensing and actuation mechanisms, studying fluid dynamics in microfluidic systems, as well as applying them to various biomedical applications. We have successfully developed a microfluidic platform that utilizes electrolytic bubbles as actuators for fluid manipulation; we are now focused on developing a versatile sensing scheme using the same electrolytic bubble principles to monitor fluid flow in microfluidic systems. This effort enables us to integrate both fluid actuators and sensors on a single platform using the same microfabrication steps and to develop a complete Lab-on-a-Chip.

S. Z. HUA.

Increasing Fracture Toughness of Metal-Polymer Interface

Previous methods for joining a microelectronics Cu leadframe to an epoxy matrix had used a complicated regimen of surface cleaning and directed oxidation. Although this method produces a tough interface, it is time- and energy-consuming. Previous results at UB with modification of Cu fibers in epoxy in Mode II fracture showed the effectiveness of creating engineered zones of strength using silane surface treatments. This method is applied here to Mode I fracture of the Cu-epoxy interface.

R.C. WETHERHOLD, Z. Harry.

Control of Deposition After Evaporation of Carrier Droplets

There are a variety of applications where a carrier solute is deposited on a surface and then evaporated, leaving behind a solid deposition. Normally, the ¡°coffee ring effect¡±occurs, whereby the solids are transported to the edge of the deposition. This research evaluates how the deposition of solids can be controlled by surface-active agents and moving gas. Potential applications include strengthening agents for adhesive interfaces and proteins which will be examined by image analysis using antibody solutions.

R.C. WETHERHOLD, H Alarifi.