Composites

Latest Innovations

Transpiration Cooling for Structural Polymer Materials

 

Researchers from the Beckman institute at the University of Illinois are developing a system for cooling structural materials inspired on nature's transpiration....

 

Researchers from the Beckman institute at the University of Illinois are developing a system for cooling structural materials inspired on nature's transpiration. Using porous materials and leveraging capillary forces, Scott White's lab created a transpiration system to cool down a surface. The system is autonomous, self powered, and inexpensive. In addition, the principle of transpiration make this cooling solution self regulated requiring minimum user input after the system is installed. The new system will enable the use of polymer materials for applications where high temperatures would degrade non-cooled polymers.

Rapid, predictable curing of composites

 

Professors Jeffrey Moore, Nancy Sotos, and Scott White from the University of Illinois has developed a novel method to create composites that allows for much easier...

Professors Jeffrey Moore, Nancy Sotos, and Scott White from the University of Illinois has developed a novel method to create composites that allows for much easier manufacturing and more design latitude.

3D Printing of High Quality Materials

Dr. Moore from the University of Illinois has developed a new method of 3D printing which enables the use of high quality components. This printing method cures materials...

Dr. Moore from the University of Illinois has developed a new method of 3D printing which enables the use of high quality components. This printing method cures materials as they print and removes the need for additional processing steps.

This invention could be used to make 3D printed composite materials. It expands the applications of 3D printing.

CF/PDMS Coiled Muscle

Dr. Tawfick from the University of IL has developed a composition of carbon fiber and silicone to create an artificial coiled muscle. This particular composition gives...
Dr. Tawfick from the University of IL has developed a composition of carbon fiber and silicone to create an artificial coiled muscle. This particular composition gives the artificial muscle the ability to lift 12,600 times its own weight when an electrical current is applied to it. This invention could help replace bulky actuators and could be useful in prosthetics as well as other industries.
 
Publications – C Lamuta, S. Tawfick, S. Messelot, Theory of the Tensile Actuation of Fiber Reinforced Coiled Muscles, Smart Materials and Structures, (Apr. 20, 2018).

Rapid Fabrication of Microvascular Polymers and Composites

Dr. Sottos from the University of IL has developed a method of creating microscopic channels within a gel matrix. The process takes less time...
Dr. Sottos from the University of IL has developed a method of creating microscopic channels within a gel matrix. The process takes less time then conventional methods and operates are temperatures below 180ºC. The invention can be used for transporting fluids for various biological uses. This invention could be used for various medical purposes.

Spontaneous Patterning during Frontal Polymerization

Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a novel method to fabricate patterns on polymer substrate pDCPD and pCOD using frontal polymerization(FP). Unlike...

Researchers from the University of Illinois developed a novel method to fabricate patterns on polymer substrate pDCPD and pCOD using frontal polymerization(FP). Unlike traditional polymer manufacturing techniques, this technology does not rely on deterministic methods such as molds, inverse replicas. By introducing thermal instabilities, this invention generates patterns as the polymerization process takes place through FP with a significantly lower energy input and shorter curing process compared to the previously available technique. Notably, the patterning introduced in the polymer using this technology is not limited to the surface. It can also change the mechanical property of the polymer, specifically stiffness, opacity, and absorbance, to create volume patterning as well as color patterning.

This technology can be utilized to introduce unique designs in various applications. Furthermore, it can potentially improve surface functionalities as well as the mechanical function of the polymer used in various products including automotive body panels, aerospace applications, protective films, construction material, and many more.

New catalyst formulations for Frontal Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (FROMP)

Researchers at Illinois have developed new catalytic systems to perform FROMP. Large-scale, energy efficient industrial polymerization syntheses are accessed with FROMP....

Researchers at Illinois have developed new catalytic systems to perform FROMP. Large-scale, energy efficient industrial polymerization syntheses are accessed with FROMP. So far, 2nd generation Grubbs catalyst has been extensively used for FROMP. Exploring new catalyst formulations resulted in polymers with varied mechanical properties and affected the polymerization process. These new formulations expand on previously developed synthesis to offer greater flexibility, tunability, and control of end products and the manufacturing process.

Benefits:

  • Energy efficient
  • Short reaction times
  • Resultant polymers with different mechanical properties
  • Unusually flexible polymer

Market Application:  

  • Varied applications including chlor-alkali production, automotive, construction industries

 

Image shows swelling behavior of the resultant polymersusing new catalyst formulations.

Nanoporous PMC for Passive Radiative Cooling

Dr. Lili Cai and her team at the University of Illinois have developed a new nanoporous composite material for passive cooling applications. This composite has solar...

Dr. Lili Cai and her team at the University of Illinois have developed a new nanoporous composite material for passive cooling applications. This composite has solar reflectivity of 96.2%, infrared emissivity greater than 90%, and can generate a cooling power of 85 W/m2 to reduce subambient temperature by up to 6.1°C without any energy inputs. The material is inexpensive, easier to fabricate than state-of-the-art passive cooling materials, and can retain its properties even after thermal processing or 3D printing.