| 2003 |
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YEAR BOOK |
Limerick Institute of Technology(a) & University of Limerick(b)
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Novel Electro-codeposition of engineering metals and electropolymers for high Wear applications (NEW)
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This work will look at introducing electropolymers within the metal matrix, thus reducing the coefficient of dynamic friction and improving wear characteristics. This approach follows from research that has previously looked at inclusion of particles such as platinum nanoparticles, titanium oxide and ferric oxide with polypyrrole and polyaniline to create composite materials.
This work will examine the electroreduction polymerisation at metallic cathodes of vinylic monomers such as methacrylonitrile and acrylonitrile. It is further proposed to investigate the co-deposition of 2-butenenitrile, 3-butenenitrile and 2 methyl-2-propenenitrile with metals such as copper and nickel.
Work has shown previously that two types of polymers may be obtained when vinylic monomers undergo electroreduction polymerisation. A physisorbed polymer is formed. This polymer may be easily removed by rinsing with solvent. A grafted polymer is also formed. This polymer may not be easily removed even under sonication. It is proposed in this work to include the loosely bound polymer with engineering materials such as copper and nickel to provide a conducting electrodeposit with improved wear characteristics due to the dry lubricant nature of the polymer.
Contact: Niall Kelly, CURRENT Group,
Department of Applied Science, Limerick Institute of Technology;
E-mail: [email protected] ;
F.J. Barry, CURRENT Group, Department of Applied Science,
Limerick Institute of Technology & Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick.