• Project name:
  Polycom   -   Engineered Polymeric composites with high energy density
• ICMATE involved researchers:
  Vincenzo Buscaglia
  Maria Teresa Buscaglia
  Giovanna Canu
  Chiara Costa   (fellow)
  
• Starting date, ending date and duration:
  March 18, 2016 - June 30, 2018   (27 months)
• Project funding:
  Fondazione Compagnia San Paolo, IDROL 10359
• Links:
  Web Site:   http://www.icmate.cnr.it/progetti/polycom

The main objective of Polycom is to improve the dielectric properties and the energy density of polymeric composites containing inorganic inclusions (Ag, BaTiO₃) with high dielectric constant (k≈1000). A homogeneous dispersion of the inorganic inclusions and a more effective distribution of the electric field inside the composite will be achieved by engineering the polymer/inorganic interfaces. Interface engineering will consist in (i) the surface functionalization of inorganic particles with suitable organic molecules (coupling agents) and (ii) the coating of the particles with a thin shell of a binary oxide. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has properties suitable for this purpose. The composite matrix will be a ferroelectric polymer with high dielectric constant (≈10).

The project comprises six workpackages:

1. Synthesis of inorganic particles (Ag and BaTiO₃) and coating with a binary oxide shell.
2. Surface functionalization of particles with organic coupling agents.
3. Preparation and characterization of composites.
4. Measurement of dielectric properties and energy density on prototype capacitors.
5. Finite element modeling of microstructure and dielectric properties of composites.
6. Coordination, dissemination of results, and improvement of visibility of Compagnia di San Paolo.