Abstract
Current benchmark magnesium alloys,
such as the Mg-Al family, are thermally unstable at temperatures over 125 °C.
The currently available alternative for elevated temperature applications is
Mg-AE42, which can be used for temperatures up to 170 °C, above which there is
an abrupt degradation of creep resistance. The price range for Mg-AE42 is
extremely high. This invention uses an Mg-Sn alloy system, which can be used
for elevated temperature applications higher than the currently available
Mg-AE42 without compromising the mechanical strength at an affordable price.
The novel alloy family can be made from available natural resources within the
United States while offering improved mechanical properties and corrosion and
creep resistance at half the cost of commercially available alloys.Benefit
Better fuel economy with usage in car engine partsReduction in carbon dioxide emissions and environmental damage from vehiclesWithstand temperatures higher than commercially used alloysHalf the price of the raw materials per unit of the cheapest commercially available counterpartsWeight reduction in car engine parts will result in saving billions of dollars in the USMarket Application
Automotive industry for weight reduction to reduce emissionsBiomedical implantsAlternative for metals and polymers where enhanced mechanical properties are advantageous
Abstract
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms bound
together in a honeycomb pattern which makes it a great conductor of
electrons at room temperature. 3D Graphene foam (think of a porous sponge) is
an ideal filler for ceramic composites (ceramic
fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix) as the graphene-ceramic composites have improved
strength, toughness, stiffness, and thermal-electrical conductivity. However,
there are many practical challenges in its real-world application as graphene
flakes tend to form clusters which can reduce its mechanical strength and
toughness. The non-homogeneous distribution can also impede the electrical and
thermal properties of the composites. Though there are various physical and
chemical methods to achieve homogeneity, the techniques are expensive,
time-consuming and the addition of secondary chemical particles can damage
graphene flakesTo improve the microstructure homogeneity, macro-porous
graphene foam (GrF) is a promising material for developing composites because
of its ultra-low density, high surface area, and large pore size. The structure
of GrF can be exploited by infiltration with polymer resin followed by curing
to create a composite material with a homogeneous distribution of the filler
phase. FIU scientists have invented a method to produce
Graphene foam ceramic composite where the GrF is surrounded by and infiltrated
with a Low-Temperature
Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) matrix. This material shows outstanding flexibility, resistance
to failure, high density, damping capability, and electrical and thermal
conductivity.Benefit
Superior ceramic composites with the additional advantages of enhanced electrical and thermal properties.Structural material with enhanced failure resistance, toughness, and flexibilityMarket Application
The GrF-reinforced LTCC has applications for strain sensors, Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors, electrochemical biosensors, biocompatible scaffold, consumer electronics, electromagnetic shields, fuel cells, thermal interfaces, acoustic backers, vibration dampeners, and metallic materials with ultra-high stiffness and fatigue resistance.GrF-ceramic composites can also be part of medical implants and ceramic packaging material.
