Research on unique composite materials was awarded a prize
This year, three nominal prizes of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences (LAA) were awarded, Kaunas University of Technology announced.
Kazimieras Simonavičius (mechanics) prize was awarded to dr. Daiva Zeleniakienė, Ph.D. Gediminas Monastyreckis, dr. Sigitas Kilikevičius and dr. Kristina Žukienė for their investigation of the mechanical behavior of multifunctional polymer composites with MXene nanoplates.
New multifunctional composites have been developed in the work of researchers working at Kaunas University of Technology by filling polymer matrices with MXene or MXene and graphene nanoplates. They have exceptional mechanical and electrical properties. MXenes are the newly invented group of metal carbides and / or nitrides with a unique combination of electrical conductivity, hydrophilic surface and excellent mechanical properties of metals.
The research has determined the mechanical properties and behavior of the new multifunctional composites under different deformation cases. In the course of this scientific work, the materials developed and researched are relevant for advanced transport, aviation, wind turbine and other industries, which use structures made of lightweight fibrous polymer composites with good mechanical properties. Such structures are subjected to heavy cyclic and impact loads during operation. They result in damage (cracking of the polymer matrix, delamination or rupture of the fiber).
Composite materials created using unique MXene particles have not only excellent mechanical properties, but also additional self-diagnostic functions that allow the detection of defects during continuous operation.
