Production of microwave absorbers by electrospinning process

Abstract

In an electrospinnig process, polymer mats formed by nanofibers are produced when a polymer solution is subjected to high electrostatic field. The advantages of this process are: large surface area to volume ratio, flexibility in surfaces functionalities, superior mechanical properties. Thus is an attractive process to produce nanostructure materials used in aeronautic field. The main variables of this process are: solution concentration, voltage and working distance. The goal of this project will be to use the electrospinning technique to produce radar absorbing materials (RAM) and nanostructure composites used in aeronautic field. The RAM will be produced by electrospinning using polymeric thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/dicloroacetic acid/ doped polyaniline (PAni-DBSA or PAni-CSA) solutions and polyurethane (TPU)/dicloroacetic acid/ doped poly (o-ethoxyaniline) (POEA-DBSA or POEA-CSA). It will be evaluated thermal behavior (DSC), thermal degradation (TGA), chemical structure (FTIR) and morphology (SEM) of the mats. The radar absorption properties in micro-wave range will be evaluated in measurements of electrical conductivity and reflectivity. (AU)