Laboratory for Multiscale Experimental Research and Modeling of Polymer Composites Based on Advanced Thermoplastics for Industrial Applications
Development of new composite materials based on thermoplastic polymers.
Organization type: Laboratory
Field of science: Materials technology
Goals and Objectives
Research Areas: New materials, production technologies and processesProject Goal: Development of new polymer composite materials with improved performance characteristics and their production technologies, as well as the study of key factors influencing their structural, mechanical, thermophysical, and electrical properties using multiscale computer modeling and experimental methods.
Practical significance of the research
Scientific Results
- The laboratory conducted a study on the relationship between the structure and properties of nanocomposites based on various classes of super-structural thermoplastic polymers (polyetherimides, polyetheretherketone, etc.) using a wide range of experimental and theoretical methods. New types of polymers were synthesized. Experimental techniques were developed for producing nanocomposites based on these thermoplastics filled with carbon nanofibers, nanotubes, graphene, basalt fiber, and other fillers. The results of the laboratory's fundamental research are of great applied significance.
- A study was conducted on the feasibility of using asphaltenes as low-cost natural analogs of carbon nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites for various applications, including the development of thermal storage batteries. This area is related not only to the development of effective energy-saving methods but also to the utilization of oil components that degrade its quality and constitute up to 30% of the composition of certain Russian grades.
Implementation of research results
- Nanocomposites of original composition, developed in the laboratory and protected by a patent, were used in the development of manufacturing technology for fasteners made of polymer composite materials (PCM) for use in shipbuilding under a state contract with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia (total funding 90 million rubles).
- A center for polymer materials in shipbuilding, initiated by Prof. Jose Kenny, has been opened at the Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Work is currently underway to implement high-strength PCM fasteners into production.
Organizational and infrastructural transformations
As part of the laboratory's development of new composite materials based on heat-resistant thermoplastics, laboratory head J.M. Kenny developed a project for an engineering center for materials chemistry for shipbuilding. In 2019, the first stage of the center was opened at the laboratory, equipped with technological equipment for processing thermoplastics using injection molding. This equipment is key for the industrial implementation of materials developed in the laboratory and products made from them, specifically composite fasteners.
Education and personnel retraining
- Defenses: 4 PhD theses, 8 student graduation qualification works.
- Laboratory staff developed the course "Computer Modeling of Polymer Nanocomposites," which is part of the Master's program at the Faculty of Physics of Saint Petersburg State University.
- From 2014 to 2019, the laboratory hosted an international conference on thermoplastic polymers, serving as a platform for expanding the laboratory team's international cooperation and exchanging experience and the most modern scientific results in the laboratory's field of work.
- As part of the Laboratory's activities, the Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the RAS annually hosts the International Conference on Thermoplastic Polymers, dedicated to both the Laboratory's results and the exchange of experience with invited foreign scientists working in the field of polymer composite materials. In 2015 and 2016, the conference included round tables on transferring research results to industrial applications, featuring representatives from leading Russian research and industrial organizations.
Cooperation
- Eindhoven University of Technology (Technische Universiteit Eindhoven), Netherlands; Pontifical Bolivarian University (Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana), Colombia; Institute of Polymer Technology and Nanotechnology (ITPN) of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET); University of Perugia, Italy; University of Extremadura, Spain: joint research.
- Key Russian partners of the laboratory include Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis of the Russian Academy of Sciences (TIPS RAS), and the Arbuzov Institute of Organic and Physical Chemistry of the Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IOPC Arbuzov). Implementation of major scientific projects jointly with these organizations has expanded the scope of research conducted in the laboratory and established long-term partnerships that continue to this day.
- Close cooperation in training young specialists has been established with Saint Petersburg State University and Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University. Students from these organizations complete their graduation theses at the laboratory, often continuing their research activities there after completing their university studies.
Website: http://polycomplab.org/index.php/en/
Contact person: Sergey Vladimirovich Larin, Head of Laboratory
Address: 31 Bolshoy Prospekt, Vasilyevsky Island
Phone: (812) 323-7407, fax: (812) 328-6869,
E-mail: imc@pnpi.nrcki.ru
Contact person: Sergey Vladimirovich Larin, Head of Laboratory
Address: 31 Bolshoy Prospekt, Vasilyevsky Island
Phone: (812) 323-7407, fax: (812) 328-6869,
E-mail: imc@pnpi.nrcki.ru
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