Multifunctional Composite Nanofibers for Smart Structures

摘要

Encouraged by the successful fabrication and characterization of functional composite nanofibers we proceeded to further optimize the continuous yarn fabrication process and characterize the properties of the yarns from composite nanofibers. With the functional composite nanofiber structures (yarn and nonwoven) characterized we explored the feasibility of integrating these functional composite fibers into electronic devices and higher order structures. To facilitate the formation of complex device shapes the technology of converting composite nanofiber yarns to 3D braided structures was also explored. Specifically the objective of this two-year program was to develop the enabling composite nanofiber based materials for smart sensors/actuators and smart structures. This objective was achieved through (1) Fabrication and optimization of composite linear and 3D fibrous structures; (2). Exploration of the feasibility of nanofiber based super capacitor and Lithium Ion battery; (3) Characterization and validation of materials and sub element performance using EMI shield as an example; and (4) Development and integration of components for chemical sensor.