Ceramics with truly Integrated CNT for Micro-Strain and Temperature Sensing

• Grant number: 24/09076-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Jose Mauricio Rosolen
• Grantee: Jose Mauricio Rosolen
• Principal researcher abroad: Daisy Nestler
• Institution abroad: Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Olfa Kanoun
• Associated research grant: 22/07671-7 - Self-healing fiber ceramic matrix composite, AP.R

Abstract

The project aims to foster cooperation between two research groups in Germany and one in Brazil. In Germany, two distinguished professorships specializing in ceramic composites and carbon-based flexible sensors are involved, while the Brazilian professorship focuses on the production of various types of nanomaterials derived from nanocarbons. Presently, both German and Brazilian groups are engaged in two ongoing M-ERA.net projects: "Smart lightweight functionalized materials for Housing of Batteries" coordinated by Prof. Olfa Kanoun, ending on 31/12/2024, and "Self-healing fiber ceramic matrix composites" coordinated by Prof. Daisy Nestler ending on 31/05/2026. The proposed project seeks funding to explore new avenues for collaboration, both to lay the groundwork for future consortia and to enhance existing cooperation. The project will specifically investigate innovative materials resulting from the true integration of micro/nanocarbons in the micro-ceramic materials. Initially, the materials will be investigated for their potential applications in composite materials in order to enhance the mechanical properties of the ceramic matrix composites and also to enable the self-sensing of the matrix for temperature and strain applications. Through team mobility, the synthesis of materials and their application in composites and sensors will be comprehensively explored. Depending on preliminary research outcomes, robust projects can be developed for electronic devices and/or composites. The German team will have access to chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors and methodologies for preparing target materials such as Al2O3 fibers, carbon nano tubes (CNT). Meanwhile, the Brazilian group will understand about composite preparation, plastic sensors and their characterization. Additionally, this project serves as a crucial step in assessing the economic viability of micro/nanocarbons and superparamagnetic materials. The project outcomes have the potential to address various industries in automotive, aerospace and energy sectors. (AU)