Session: 13-06-01: Applied Mechanics and Materials in Micro- and Nano-Systems

Paper Number: 145690

145690 - Investigation of Thermal, Dielectric and Mechanical Characteristics of Polymer Nanocomposite Films 

Nanocomposites have the unique ability to improve various properties of a host material while allowing it to maintain its other properties and form factor. Polymers can function as excellent host materials because of their strong intrinsic properties and their ability to accept a wide variety of nanocomposite fillers. These polymer nanocomposites have the capacity to improve the field of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) power transmission. HTS power transmission allows for significant weight reductions as well as improved power/volume capacity when compared with standard copper wire systems. HTS still requires further technical development to become widely applicable. With the current lack of thermally stable dielectric insulation materials, polymer nanocomposites can provide the proper blend of thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties necessary to create the ideal superconducting cable.

A host polymer of interest is poly (pyromellitic dianhydride-co-4,4’oxydianiline), amic acid (PAA). This polymer is the amide precursor to the polymer that makes up Kapton, the current HTS industry standard manufactured by Dupont. Both polymers exhibit satisfactory dielectric capabilities, but PAA can be manufactured at much lower temperatures, making it more compatible with HTS systems.

There are several nanoparticle candidates that will be evaluated in this paper, two different types of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and three different types of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). Some relevant steps to ensure proper compatibility of the fillers in their host material involve the sol gel process, ultrasonication and solubility analysis with multiple solvents.

This paper also discusses the characterization of polymer nanocomposite materials with novel testing methods and a wide variety of sample compositions. These testing methods quantify the impact of several factors relevant to the conditions that the nanocomposite would be in during HTS applications. The methods used to characterize these materials include dielectric breakdown in an ambient, liquid nitrogen and gaseous helium environment, tensile testing in both an ambient and liquid nitrogen environment and scanning electron microscopy. The processes used to create the polymer nanocomposite materials will provide greater insight into the interactions of polymer chains with more complex nanocomposite molecules.

Results will be collected from the various testing methods and cross-examined between each material. The methods developed to characterize these materials as well as the processes used to synthesize the materials themselves will have a significant impact on how polymer nanocomposites are investigated in the future. More relevant methods of testing will allow for a deeper understanding of the properties of the nanocomposites, as well as the interactions between the polymers and their fillers.

Presenting Author: Wei Xue Rowan University

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Wei Xue is an associate professor and interim department head of Mechanical Engineering at Rowan University. His primary research interests are in the areas of functional materials, nanotechnology, composites, and MEMS.

Authors:

Jared Ericksen Rowan University
Michael Smith Rowan University
John Terifay Rowan University
Nicholas Insinga Rowan University
John Hayes Rowan University
Joseph Marshina Rowan University
Benjamin Olitsky Rowan University
Madeline Seybold Rowan University
Matthew Olivo Rowan University
Logan Allison Rowan University
Amit Singh Rowan University
Wei Xue Rowan University