Italian technological district for the engineering of polymeric and composite materials and structures
The main objective of FIRB MANTA was to study the complex phenomena occurring at the interface between polymer matrix and nanofillers, in the development of multifunctional nanocomposites for structural applications. This objective was achieved by studying the influence of the characteristic surface of the nanofillers on the properties of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, the effects of manufacturing processes on the structures and patterns of fillers at the nanoscale were studied.
For the aeronautical sector, multifunctional nanoreinforced matrices with improved damping properties and impact behavior were created using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) loaded with multistrand carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
In the automotive sector, ferromagnetic hot-melt adhesives were developed by inserting nickel nanoparticles into thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) matrices, with the aim of increasing the efficiency of electromagnetic heating. The resulting system shows the following characteristics:
Furthermore, composite foams were obtained by expanding thermoplastic matrices (PES and PEN) loaded with graphite with good mechanical and structural properties and low weight.