Local dielectric spectroscopy at the interface of polymeric nanocomposites
Abstract
Local dielectric spectroscopy at the interface of polymeric nanocompositesThe project is aimed at the application of a special micro,scopy technique named Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM) to characterize the performance of innovative insulating materials subjec,ted to strong electric, mechanical or thermal stress. Current Navy needs of materials with high insulation, useful for the realizati,on of electric power lines and grids with improved performances, require the development of new dielectric materials that can withst,and extreme conditions of voltage. Such materials are often obtained by nanostructuring usual dielectrics, by forming multilayered s,tructures or composites with the addition of nanoparticles of proper size and composition. Therefore, resolution down to the nanomet,er level is demanded to inspect the features of electric behavior of such materials, especially at the interface of such nanostructu,res.EFM is based on the more notorious Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), wherea sharp tip is brought in contact with the surface of the, sample, and like the stylus of a record player, it is sensitive to fine sample corrugations, with a resolution capable even to disc,riminate single atoms. If an electric voltage is applied to the tip, even electric charges can be detected on the same surface. Howe,ver, if the stylus is pushed too hard on the surface, this could be damaged or charges could be swept away, therefore the AFM is ope,rated in an ?intermittent contact? mode, in which the tip periodically swings close and off the surface, thereby limiting surface da,mage and charge transfer. Still, such periodic impacts allow a neat measurement of electric forces. In brief, the project is aimed a,t investigating the behavior of insulating polymers, subjected to extreme stress conditions, close to the interface with electrodes,as well as of nanoinclusions added for improving their performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 04, 2022
- Source ID
- N629092312003
Entities
People
- Massimiliano Labardi
Organizations
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy