Multiscale analysis of interface between fibres and organic aerogels

Lead Research Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

Since they were used in insulation of NASA space shuttle, aerogels are gaining more and more popular especially due to their exceptional insulating properties connected with low density. Currently manufacturing techniques focus on producing aerogels, however because of their internal structure they are brittle as a result its possible usage is quite limited. One of the possible solutions is utilisation of aerogel blankets, which combines the thermal properties of aerogels and mechanical properties of fibres. Nevertheless, as the aerogel is rather young material the study of aerogel - fibre interface was never conducted before. Current testing techniques allow us to measure mechanical properties of fibre reinforced composites on a few different scale levels. The most profound may be considered the micro scale, where it is possible to investigate the behaviour of the reinforcement, matrix and their interactions. At the other end of the scale is macro testing, where composites are treated as a uniform material. Both scales investigate different properties of the same materials, yet a comprehensive understanding of how these scales relate to one another yet to be achieved.

The aim of this project is to characterise the properties of aerogel-fibre interface in order to maximize the properties of both constituents. It will be achieved by multiscale analysis including molecular analysis on nanoscale, progressively moving to interface measuring experiments on microscale and finally utilisation of previous result in bigger picture of macroscale. The possitive outcome of this research could popularise the usage of aerogel blankets for the insulation purposes and lead to significant energy savings benefiting not only the individuals but also tackling humans' environmental impact.

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
EP/N509760/1 01/10/2016 30/09/2021
2032488 Studentship EP/N509760/1 01/10/2017 30/06/2021 Mariusz Kucharek
 
Description Aerogel is a solid material with porous gel structure, in which the liquid part is successfully replaced with a gas. The material favorable properties include extremely low density and one of the lowest thermal conductivity within the solid materials. Those most intriguing features of silica aerogel are mainly caused by the internal structure of the material, which in return also present serious limitations in the way aerogels can be used. Their mechanical performance is substantially crippled due to the amorphous silica low mechanical properties and and large void volume after expansion. Current part of funded project seeks to investigate the effectiveness of producing composite materials consisting of silica aerogel particles dispersed in epoxy matrices. The combination of these two materials is expected to deliver a material with thermal and mechanical properties enhancing commercial usage.
In order to validate thermal conductivity of the composites the silica aerogel and epoxy samples were manufactured using casting method. Latter samples underwent series of thermal and mechanical tests aiming at measurement of thermal conductivity and compressive properties of the resulting composites. During the investigation multiple factors and their effects upon material properties were observed including viscosity of the resin, effect of particle size and loading. As a result, by addition of the silica aerogel particles almost 40% decrease in thermal conductivity of the epoxy resin was achieved, however with significant loss to the compressive properties of the material.
Along the experimantal research a computational simulations has been carried as well. In order to understand interface behavior on multiple scales, the multiscale simulation approach has been selected to calculate materials interfacial thermal resistance using molecular dynamics method (MD). Afterwards, nanoscale properties will be inputted into material simulations on microscale and the computational results will be compared against experimental values.
Exploitation Route The funding allowed for a PhD research in the area of aerogel interface. The main aim of the research is to investigate thermal and mechanical properties of interface between most commonly used fibers (including glass and carbon fiber) and various aerogels. It is of a particular importance as an aerogels are materials providing best thermal insulation among all solid materials. Better understanding of aerogel application can potentially increase their application possibility. As a result, their broader usage could lead to significant reduction in energy consumption not only in construction sector but also within range of industrial applications.
The findings of the research could be potentially used within building sector in order to provide superior thermal insulation of the industrial and private properties.
Sectors Construction,Energy
 
Description The outcomes of the research has been utilized in the industrial project regarding deign and manufacturing of low thermal conductivity pipe centralizer. The standard material used for manufacturing of centralizers was pure nylon providing excessive mechanical properties yet high thermal conductivity. By introduction of aerogel particles significant decrease in thermal conductivity was achieved at the same time maintaining required mechanical properties. Due to the replacement of the centralizers the company was expecting large reduction in energy required to heat up slurry during transportation through the offshore pipeline.
First Year Of Impact 2018
Sector Construction,Energy
Impact Types Economic