University of Exeter - Equipment Account

Lead Research Organisation: University of Exeter
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

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Description Flash diffusivity apparatus for thermal conductivity and diffusivity measurements: conductivity of a poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK)- tungsten disulfide WS2 nanocomposite. 
Organisation Daido Steel Co., Ltd.
Department Daido Metal
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution With this facility, we have significantly enhanced our research capacity, as we can now measure different materials and evaluate their thermal related performance. It is crucial for the future start/stop bearing applications of such nanocomposite bearings that their properties are fully understood. With the commissioning of this equipment at Exeter we were able to co-design and secure funding for this two-year Daido Metal Project which started in September 2015. The project is aiming to develop novel bearing materials where understating and improving their thermal conductivity is essential for automotive-bearing applications to offer reliable, energy saving and the development of low CO2 emission automobiles of tomorrow.
Collaborator Contribution The contribution from Daido Metal lies on the other complementary material property assessments, such as tribological properties. The overall high performance of the new bearings depends not only on a single property, but instead on an ideal combination of the thermal, mechanical and tribological properties. Therefore this partnership, with complimentary expertise significantly enhances our research capacity. Daido have also provided expertise and training for our postdoc researcher in how to use their testing facilities and interpret the results. Daido have provided £181,000 for this two-year project.
Impact We are in the process of writing joint papers, and a patent application is in progress, subject to Daido's internal process approvals. A manuscript is currently under review, 'Enhanced properties of inorganic fullerene tungsten sulphide nanoparticle reinforced poly (ether ether ketone) nanocomposites'.
Start Year 2015