Electrospinning of ceramic nanofibers for polymeric nanocomposites

Abstract

Responsible: Profa. Rosario E.S. Bretas, Supervisor: Prof. Wolfgang Sigmund. Polymeric nanocomposites are materials made of a polymeric matrix in which nanoparticles (particles with at least one dimension lower than 100 nm) are homogeneously distributed forming a percolating network. In this project these materials will be developed for applications in photo-generation and storage of electrical energy. Percolation will be obtained by using photo-sensitive and energy storage ceramic nanoparticles (NP) of high aspect ratio L/D (L=length, D=diameter), obtained by electrospinning and polymers that form nanometric domains like block copolymers (BCP) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU)(foamed or not). It is well known that BCP can develop nanodiscrete structures like cylinders, lamellas, gyroid or vesicles, where the NP can be inserted, without losing their functionality. Therefore, photo-sensible NP like some organic and inorganic perovskites and energy storage NP like some inorganic perovskites will be used after proper compatibilization. The influence of the aspect ratio of these NP in the percolation threshold, in the domains arrangement of the BCP and TPU and on the final properties of the nanocomposites will also be studied. The insertion of the NP into the polymers will be done by "casting" (film and electrospinning) and melt processes (injection and compression molding); finally their electrical properties and their microstructure will also be analyzed. These materials have high potential for use in solar cells, electromagnetic protection, electrostatic dissipation, capacitors, sensors, among other novel applications. (AU)