Main Technical Achievements M24 | ITAINNOVA

Introduction of induction heating functionality in polymers through magnetic nano-particles (ITAINNOVA)

During these first 24 months of the project, different magnetic nano-particles (MNPs) and their incorporation in polymers to introduce induction heating capability has been investigated. This material functionality can be used for healing, welding and deformation control in shape memory polymers, opening up new opportunities for different applications. In SMARTFAN, the MNPs have been successfully incorporated in PLA (Polylactic acid) matrix. Furthermore, 3D printing filaments with the modified PLA have been manufactured and will be used to test the material development in a product demo case (BIOG).

Chromophore microcapsules for damage sensing (ITAINNOVA)

ITAINNOVA has also been investigating about the utilization of microcapsules with fluorescent substances, as an additional functionality to reveal damage. In this sense, microcapsules considering different chromophore fillers have been synthesized and incorporated in epoxy resins. The first performance trials carried out evidenced the potential of the technique, allowing to identify cracks that cannot be detected by visual inspection. Currently the application of this technology in composites prepregs is being analyzed by INEGI.

Molecular Dynamics Modelling (ITAINNOVA)

In paralel, ITAINNOVA has being developing molecular dynamics (MD) models to determine interfacial properties of some of the filler/polymer nanocomposite systems being addressed in the project and also to determine coarse graining (CG) potentials needed for the meso models.

The CG potentials for PLA (polylactic acid) , PP (polypropylene), EPO (epoxy resin), the graphene fillers being considered in SMARTFAN (G, GO, rGO) and the composites obtained by the combination of these materials have been determined. In addition, a comparative analysis of properties of the different graphene fillers mentioned has been performed.

As mentioned, this information is being used in the project to feed models at higher scales (meso models being developed by POLITO) following the multi-scale approach proposed in SMARTFAN to support the materials developments (properties prediction and materials design/optimization).