Electrodeposition of conductive polymer reinforcement on composite ionomeric polymer and metal for performance improvement

• Grant number: 20/09334-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2020
• End date: April 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Roger Gonçalves
• Grantee: Thaís Almeida Silveira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Devices based on ionomeric polymer/metal composites are versatile and can be applied in the most diverse fields of science and technology. It has a sandwich-type structure, a polymer film with both sides covered with metal electrodes. Its working principle is based on the mobility of ions inside the polymeric membrane, which is highly hygroscopic. Since ion mobility is dependent on the amount of water contained in the membranes, the performance of the device is dependent on the ambient conditions, especially the relative humidity of the operating medium. Besides, as the devices work by flexing in response to the electric field, the electrodes, which are less tenacious than the polymer, fracture early, leading to loss of performance and functioning of the device. To solve such problems, the present work will study the use of reinforcement of electrically conductive polymer deposited on the metal electrodes, to provide survival for these, because, even fractured, they will have the conductive polymer guaranteeing the electrical contact. Also, through functionalization of the reinforcement, it is intended to decrease the gas exchange that occurs through the fractures and which leads to the loss of humidity in the device.