PhD Candidate
ATHINA MANIADI
maniadi@materials.uoc.gr
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Supervisor
VAMVAKAKI MARIA, Professor, Materials Science & Technology Dept. - UOC
Committee Members
KOUDOUMAS EMMANOYIL, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering - HMU
VIDAKIS NEKTARIOS, Professor, FORTH, Heraklion Crete GREECE
Abstract
Ph.D. thesis title: "Design, Development and Functionality Control of Advanced Nanocomposite Materials for Mechanical and Electrical Applications" In the recent years, particular attention has been paid to nanocomposite materials with properties suitable for mechanical and electrical applications. As an example, nanotechnology can offer innovative approaches in electrical power systems, by optimizing the properties of insulating materials, so that they can lead to improved lifetimes as well as better performance and greater long-term stability of the system itself. This thesis focuses on the development of nanocomposite materials with controllably modified characteristics, such as dielectric constant, mechanical properties, resistance in aging, thermal conductivity, surface resistance to electrical discharges and shocks, and dielectric breakdown, which will be evaluated using international standards, both at laboratory and field level, in cooperation with the Industry. In particular, polymer nanocomposites will be developed based on polymers already used in the abovementioned applications and nanoadditives, such as carbon allotropes (graphene and its derivatives, as well as pure or chemically modified carbon nanotubes) and nanostructures based of metal oxides (such as pure and modified SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, MgO, ZnO). Various techniques will be employed for the development of the nanocomposites, including 3D printing, sol-gel, in-situ polymerization as well as melt and solution processing. Particular attention will be paid to the dispersion state of the nanoadditives within each polymer matrix and to the structure and functionality of the final products. The investigation will focus on the influence of parameters, such as type, size and shape of the nanoadditives as well as the compatibility of the materials, on the electrical, thermal and mechanical characteristics of the nanocomposite. Our aim will be to develop nanocomposites with controllably modified electrical and thermal characteristics, while at the same time maintaining or even improving their mechanical properties and long-term stability, in comparison to the respective properties of the pure polymer matrix.