Functionalized and metallized carbon nano particles for heating foils and advanced applications such as capacitors

n-Tec and Re-Turn cooperated in the project DEICE in order to chemically modify carbon nano particles, e.g. by functionalisation or metallization. The products are embedded in polymers. Products such as de-icing films have been the first priority. Improving of composite properties (strength, fatigue behaviour etc) was a related target. High-tech applications such as capacitors or components for electronics have been addressed. In the field of deicing products, both resistance heating and heating by microwaves are possible. Heating by microwaves promises to be a more economic and fast method for deicing of wind power blades. In a follow-up project, the focus is, as a consequence of customer feedback, on microwave heating. Electrical heating is of interest where geometrical constraints do not allow the use of microwave equipment. Deicing in the marine sector can be such an application. In the field of high-tech applications, the project can contribute with novel materials for further basic research studies. Among those are highly conductive masterbatches. Various dedicated applications are in preparation, in cooperation with interested industrial parties. The results of the project are protected by three patent applications on metallization of carbon nano particles, deicing of wind power turbines by microwaves and production of paints and gelcoats with very high content of carbon nano tubes.

Current problems relating to carbon nano particles (CNP) are: (i) CNP are difficult to disperse and, when dispersed, tend to re-agglomerate, (ii) CNP do not bond strongly to polymers, so the strength of composites is disappointingly low. (iii) CNP are ver y conductive as single particles, but the macroscopic conductivity is low due to high transition resistance between single CNP's. We aim to solve these problems by improved ultrasound dispersion in presence of reactive additives forming complexes with C NP. This solves both dispersion stability problems, and chemical bonding between primed or coated CNP and reactive matrices is enabled. Further, CNP will be metallized using a novel process. This will give us access to a completely new substance class whi ch will be screened in a range of applications of increasing complexity. Firstly, we will produce ultra-thin heat foils, integrated in standard wind power gelcoats, for de-icing purposes. We expect that wind power operators are willing to test these mater ials, still, the time to market is in the order of three years. Also as part of the project, functionalized CNP will be integrated into composite materials. We expect to find that the stronger bonding in the system CNP-primer-matrix yields stronger compos ites. This should significantly improve the competitive position of the applying companies in existing markets. Finally, metallized CNP will be tested at the prototype level in "high risk-high reward" areas, new capacitors, catalysts and other high-tech f ields. The project entails work at the scientific forefront of carbon nano particle technology and applications. A post-doc and likely a subsequent Ph.D. project at NTNU under supervision of prof Geir M Haarberg will be dedicated to chemical synthesis of functionalized / metallized CNP and characterisation of primary and secondary products, including protoype testing of the above mentioned high-tech products.