| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/M507726/1 |
| Title: |
Photo-responsive graphene for anti-corrosive and conductive strong, compliant silicone nanocomposites |
| Principal Investigator: |
Bilotti, Dr E |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
School of Engineering & Materials Scienc |
| Organisation: |
Queen Mary University of London |
| Scheme: |
Technology Programme |
| Starts: |
01 October 2015 |
Ends: |
30 September 2016 |
Value (£): |
88,337
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Processing |
Materials Synthesis & Growth |
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
|
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
Graphene is an ultra-thin carbon-based material that is constituted of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged into a two
dimensional sheet. It displays exceptional heat and electron conduction properties. Graphene also has a high potential for
anti-corrosion properties as it displays ultra-high resistance to the diffusion of gases and small molecules and due to its
excellent stability towards oxidation. However, graphene suffers from the drawback of being poorly soluble/dispersible in
polymer matrices and hard to process, unless stabilisers are used. Unfortunately, although the use of stabilisers leads to
improve processability, it also decreases the performance of graphene based nanocomposites.
This project aims to develop a novel approach for the stabilisation of graphene using a type of smart ultra-thin graphene
surface functionalisation, termed polymer brush. In particular, we will design polymer brushes that can be cleaved from the
graphene surface by irradiation with light, hence enabling their use to improve the processing of graphene without impairing
its exceptional heat and electrical conduction and anti-corrosion properties. This technology could have a considerable
impact on the application of graphene to a wide range of technologies.
In collaboration with FormFormForm Ltd., the company behind the range of silicone-based resins called Sugru, we will
explore the use of these materials to generate heat and electrically conductive silicone based matrices, as well as the
application of such composites as anti-corrosion coatings. Achieving high performance for such flexible silicone-based
composites, thanks to the exceptional properties of graphene, could open up a wide range of applications for such siliconebased
materials. Hence we will explore the use of this new technology to address some of the current challenges in the
manufacturing industry.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
|