Descripción del proyecto
Nueva técnica para producir compuestos de nanotubos de carbono más fuertes
Los compuestos de fibra de carbono hechos de una matriz polimérica reforzada con fibras de carbono han revolucionado las industrias que exigen materiales fuertes, pero también ligeros. Sin embargo, su aplicación se ha visto obstaculizada por sus malas propiedades mecánicas, que permanecen muy por debajo de las predicciones teóricas. Se han empleado varios métodos para mejorar dichas propiedades mecánicas, pero ninguno de ellos ha proporcionado resultados satisfactorios. En el proyecto PINT, financiado con fondos europeos, tratan de conectar directamente la matriz polimérica con macrociclos (estructuras moleculares que contienen uno o varios anillos) para formar polímeros entrelazados con nanotubos de carbono. En estas estructuras, los polímeros y los nanotubos de carbono monocapa están unidos a través de enlaces mecánicos y forman una entidad molecular única, un verdadero salto conceptual respecto a los métodos anteriores.
Objetivo
The reinforcement of polymers with carbon nanotube fillers has been one of the most active areas of research in CNT science. Several materials where the mechanical and/or electrical properties of polymers have been significantly improved using nanotube fillers have been demonstrated. However, the improvement in mechanical properties of the CNT-polymer composites remains far behind the idealized theoretical predictions. These disappointing experimental results are due to a combination of imperfect individualization of the CNTs and poor load transfer from the polymer to the CNTs. To address these problems, several approaches have been investigated, including covalent and supramolecular modification of the CNTs, and different fabrication methods for the CNT-polymer composites, but none has been completely successful.
We will explore the direct connection of the polymer matrix to the macrocycles to form Polymers Interlocked with carbon NanoTubes (PINTs). In PINTs, the polymer and SWNTs are linked through mechanical bonds, and therefore form a single molecular entity, a true conceptual leap from previous approximations. The PINT strategy addresses all the critical issues for SWNT-polymer composites at the same time: effective control of SWNT-polymer interface through non-covalent but very strong mechanical bonds, SWNT-polymer alignment, and individualization of the SWNTs.
The IP and business parts of this proposal will be carried out in collaboration with Nanocore (http://www.nanocore.com/) a company based in Denmark specialized in the reinforcement of polymers with carbon nanomaterials. In direct cooperation with Nanocore, we will explore the first steps towards commercialization of the technologies developed.
Ámbito científico
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantInstitución de acogida
28049 Madrid
España