Development of nanocomposite polymer fibers for application in advanced textiles

Derived from the high consumption of energy in climate conditioning systems inside buildings, and its consequent contribution to the problem of global warming, this project seeks to contribute to the development of novel materials that allow facing some of the most urgent and challenging challenges in thermal management ( thermal management).

Textiles avanzados para gestión térmica personal

Leader: Dr. Alan Osiris Sustaita Narváez (SNI 1), alan.sustaita@tec.mx

Co-advisor: Dr. Luis Marcelo Lozano (SNI 1), marcelo.lozano@tec.mx

Objective

Develop nanocomposite polymer fibers with optical absorption / emission properties adapted to the Visible-Infrared spectrum, and with heat diffusion functionalities. The project covers the study of the properties of materials, as well as its application in advanced textiles for personal thermal management (personal thermal

management).

Additional data

Active collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, in E.U.A.

Development of high thermal conductivity polymers

Polymers continue to infiltrate modern technologies due to their unique combination of properties, such as light weight, durability, flexibility, low cost and ease of processing. However, the application of polymers in thermal management is still largely hampered by their low thermal conductivity. It has recently been shown that polyethylene (PE) can reach thermal conductivity in the same order of magnitude as metals such as aluminum and copper, but only along the main chain due to the presence of carbon-carbon bonds. This project seeks to contribute to the development of polymers with high thermal conductivity in more than one direction, applying the use of the technique of ultrasonic injection molding, which has been successfully used for the processing of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

Objective

Develop polymers with high thermal conductivity, to extend the applications of these materials, mainly in passive thermal management. The project places special emphasis on the chemical and structural modification of polymers, the use of the technique of ultrasonic injection molding, and on the thermal characterization of materials.

Additional data

Active collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The project is part of the Nanotechnology and Device Design Group. Advanced knowledge in polymers is required: property characterization, polymer chemistry, and molecular dynamics management is preferable. The mastery of the English language in reading and writing is essential.

Active collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.