Development of polymer nanocomposites based on carbon materials and silicones for encapsulation of high-voltage power electronics devices

Établissement recruteur

Place of work:

The intern will develop his/her activity based on LAPLACE/CIRIMAT laboratories , University of Toulouse (Toulouse, France) in collaboration with the I nstitut National Universitaire Jean-François- Champollion (Albi, France). ZRR structure.

Description

Scientific Context:

Over the past two decades, the design of composite materials containing nanosized particles has attracted increased attention in power electronics and high-voltage industries [1]. Polymer-based composites are mainly used in electrical and mechanical applications due to their excellent specific properties. Among elastomer insulators, silicone rubbers, due to their high electrical resistivity, wide-range thermal stability, hydrophobicity, elasticity, chemical inertness, nontoxicity and low manufacturing cost [2] have been recognized as among the most favourable polymer materials for high-voltage power electronics devices. A common way to improve electrical properties of polymers is designing dielectric nanocomposites by introducing nanofillers into the polymer. The introduction of small amounts of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into an insulating silicone matrix has been shown to transform CNTs-filled polymers in electrically conductive composites as well as to significantly improve the mechanical properties [3]. Another commonly used and promising carbon nanofiller for polymer nanocomposites is graphene oxide (GO) [4]. Recently, much attention is focused on conductive polymer nanocomposites and the possibility of achieving a synergistic effect from the presence of two carbon fillers with different geometries and electrical properties because of the widespread availability of conductive fillers [5].

Objectives:

The main goal of this work is to fabricate polymer-carbon nanomaterials based on nanofillers (DWCNTs, GO and their GO/DWCNTs hybrid structures decorated with silver nanoparticles) and silicones via solution mixing method with using cross-linking. Optimization of the ratio between DWCNTs and GO in hybrid structures, improving the uniform dispersion of carbon-based nanofillers in polymer matrix during the processing of polymer composites are important tasks in this work. The effect of the nanofillers content on the electrical and morphological properties polymer composites will be also evaluated.

During your 6-month internship, student will learn about the nanoparticle’s modification, fabrication of polymer nanocomposites and their characterization (Broadband dielectric spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscope, Optical microscopy).

References:
1. Siwal S.S., Zhang Q., Devi N., Thakur V.K. Carbon-Based Polymer Nanocomposite for High-Performance Energy Storage Applications. Polymers 2020; 12(3):505.
2. Díez-Pascual A.M. Development of Graphene-Based Polymeric Nanocomposites: A Brief Overview. Polymers 2021; 13(17):2978.
3. Li Y., Song A., Qiu W., Gong S., Wu D., Xiao Z., Jiang Y., Zhu Z. Electrical characterization of flexible CNT/polydimethylsiloxane composite films with finite thickness. Carbon. 2019; 154: 439–447.
4. Fu X., Lin J., Liang Z., Yao R., Wu W., Fang Z., Zou W., Wu Z., Ning H., Peng J. Graphene oxide as a promising nanofiller for polymer composite. Surf. Interfaces 2023; 37:102747.
5. Nazir M.T., Khalid A., Wang C., Baena J.-C., Kabir I., Akram S., Paramane A., Haq I.U., Phung B.T., Yeoh G.H. Synergistic effect of additives on electrical resistivity, fire and smoke suppression of silicone rubber for high voltage insulation. Composites Communications 2022; 29: 101045.
6. Hilário E.G., Habib T., Maciel C.V.T., da Silva R.F., Luz D.F., Soares G.S., Caillier B., Jacinto C., Maia L.J.Q., Caiut J.M.A., Moura A.L. Metallic nanoparticles-decorated NdxY1-xAl3(BO3)4 sub-micrometric particles to enhance anti-Stokes excitation performance. Optical Materials: X 2023; 19; 100254.

Profil

Candidate profile:

We are looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented Master 2 student with an experience in materials science, physical/polymer chemistry, preferably gained during previous academic training or internships. Knowledge in electrical engineering will be highly appreciated.

The student will be part of an interdisciplinary project: curiosity, creativity, openness to materials science and engineering applications are required. Excellent communication skills are also expected to present research finding clearly and effectively, in both written and spoken French/English.

Prise de fonction

09/03/2026