FURI | Spring 2020

Mechanoresponse Activity in Polymer Nanocomposites

Phase change polymers are a class of polymer materials used by the US Army to make lightweight and energy-storing materials needed in various equipment. The aim of this research was to thermomechanically characterize phase change polymers loaded with varying weight concentrations of metallic nanoparticles. This project will focus on characterizing properties to tailor an optimum composite with a low elastic modulus, high electrical resistance when amorphous, and high strain to failure ratio. The optimum composite was proven to contain an intermediate loading of nanoparticles.