PRODUCTION OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL POLYMER COMPOSITES BASED ON CHEMICALLY MODIFIED HYBRID NANOSTRUCTURES

• Grant number: 23/08110-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Hélio Ribeiro
• Grantee: Hélio Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia (EE). Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM). Instituto Presbiteriano Mackenzie. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Guilhermino José Macêdo Fechine ; Juliano Martins Barbosa ; Ricardo Jorge Espanhol Andrade

Abstract

The development of composites based on two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials has allowed remarkable technological achievements that were previously unknown. These nanomaterials have enormous potential for various applications due to their exceptional physical properties when compared to conventional materials. This research project aims to explore these expected properties for graphene and its derivatives, as well as the combination of these with other nanomaterials, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), among others, forming modified and/or hybrid nanostructures with specific and desired physical-chemical properties. Polymeric nanocomposites will be produced based on these nanoparticles that meet the growing needs in various industrial and technological sectors, focusing on obtaining gains from these properties, aiming at reducing mass and cost, in relation to current technologies. Since 2D nanomaterials are rarely found in isolation under experimental conditions, the transfer of their potential properties to the host material strongly depends on the dispersibility and compatibility of these materials with the host matrix of interest. In this sense, this project's main approach is: (1) The development of strategies for chemical modification/exfoliation of 2D nanostructures in different solvents or matrices that enable their better dispersion in these systems. For this, it will be necessary to study several surface chemical modification processes via microwave radiation-assisted reactions. (2) Production of multifunctional polymeric nanocomposites from these modified nanostructures or by combining them in hybrid form when applicable, so that a synergistic effect is produced in the improvement of their thermal and mechanical properties, anticorrosive action and electromagnetic shielding effect. The success of this research proposal fundamentally depends on the production of compatible and strategic two-dimensional (2D) materials for their insertion in different polymer matrices. To achieve the goals outlined in this project, a multidisciplinary team of researchers from different institutions and universities will be involved, such as the School of Engineering at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM), Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais - CEFET-MG - Campus I , Belo Horizonte, Federal University of ABC and Texas Rio Grande Valley University (USA). (AU)