Project description
New technique to make stronger carbon nanotube composites
Carbon fibre composites made of a polymer matrix reinforced with carbon fibres have revolutionised industries that demand strong, yet lightweight materials. However, their application has been hindered by their poor mechanical properties, which remain far behind theoretical predictions. Several approaches have been employed for improving their mechanical properties, but none of them produced a satisfactory outcome. The EU-funded PINT project seeks to directly connect the polymer matrix to macrocycles – molecular structures that contain one or more rings – to form polymers interlocked with carbon nanotubes. In such structures, the polymers and single-walled carbon nanotubes are linked through mechanical bonds and form a single molecular entity – a true conceptual leap from previous approaches.
Objective
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/(opens in new window)) 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.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering composites
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2018-PoC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
28049 Madrid
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.