Development of polymeric nanocomposites for different applications in energy

Abstract

Polymeric nanocomposites are composites materials in which the matrix is a polymer and the filler is a nanoparticle (particle with at least one dimension lower than 100 nm) homogeneously distributed through the matrix forming a percolated network. In this project, these materials will be developed for applications in generation, storage and conduction of electrical energy. The percolation state will be obtained using polymers that form nanometric domains (regulars or not) like block copolymers and thermoplastic polyurethanes and other polar and non polar polymers with specific chemical groups that allow them to interact with the nanoparticles; block copolymers, for example, can develop discrete nanostructures of cylindric, lamellar, gyroid or vesicular domains where the nanoparticles can be inserted without losing their functionality. Therefore, photo-sensible nanoparticles like some organic and inorganic perovskites, dieletric nanoparticles like some inorganic perovskites and Cu nanowires and conductive nanoparticles like carbon nanotubes will be used, after proper compatibilization. The insertion of the nanoparticles in the polymers (or in its domains) will be done by either "casting" or melting processes. After the production of the nanocomposites, they will be conformed by eletrospinning, injection and compression molding, accordingly to the functionality of each material. Finally, their electrical, thermal and mechanical properties will be measured and the morphology and nanostructure resulting from the conformation will be analyzed. (AU)