Avery Peplinski
Pronouns: He/Him
Research Mentor(s): Mark Hammig
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences / Engineering
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Authors: Mark Hammid, Avery Peplinski, Gabriel Grey
Abstract
This research explores the synthesis of lightweight, conductive Aramid-Nanofiber (ANF) wires by expelling ANF from a syringe into a copper nano-particle (Cu-NP) solution, or by pumping the Cu-NP solution through tubing coated with ANF on the interior of the tubing. The goal of this study is to create a conductive copper-aramid-nanofiber (Cu-ANF) wire that effectively balances the trade-off between weight and conductivity better compared to current materials. The study has not yet characterized the conductivity of the ANF-Cu wires, however, visual observation of color change in the ANF wire after being submerged in Cu-NP solutions for two weeks provides evidence of copper absorption. Different synthesizing techniques and formulas produce varying Cu-ANF wires, from larger, and theoretically structurally strong, wires produced from critical-point drying following the absorption period to smaller, but theoretically more conductive, wires produced from air drying following the absorption period. Furthermore, better techniques to bond copper to the ANF wire are in the process of being researched and experimented with. This research has potential applications in various industries where lightweight materials are in high demand, such as the Aerospace industry where weight is a vital factor in many decisions.
