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Felipe Chibante Associate Professor
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Education
B.Sc (1986), Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, PQ Canada
M. Sc (1992), Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX USA
PhD. (1994), Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX USA
Research Interests
Carbon and Natural Nanomaterials ProductionThe ability to control the nanostructure of the initial carbon materials is an essential component of our research effort. This is accomplished by modification of a commercial chemical vapour deposition unit. Control of the morphology (different diameters and lengths) and orientation (random mat, oriented carpet) will enable maximum control and optimization for each application area. The focus is to establish an substantial nanomaterials synthesis Center within Canada. As a Center, it will facilitate fundamental research and innovation and integration with collaborative team members around the world. Complementing synthetic carbon nanotubes are natural anisotropic nanofibrils based on cellulose and protein substructures. |
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One of our programs will incorporate these nanomaterials into various composites. An example below illustrates vapour grown carbon fibers (~100 nm diameter) that have been melt mixed into nylon polymers. After high rate fiber spinning post processing, the resulting nanocomposite fiber showed orientation of the nanofiber as a result of processing as well as good dispersion. The composite was stronger and tougher with improved thermal and electrical properties. Exploration of various unique applications such as nanotextiles, smartfibers and conductive plastics are currently underway.
A fascinating opportunity with nanomaterials is the tuning of opto-electronic properties. Of particular interest in polymer based devices that can be mass fabricated much more effectively than current semiconductor technologies. Polymer processing expertise acquired in the above programs will be utilized for producing conductive polymer blends with nanomaterials of well-defined morphology. The program will allow the production of plastic electronic devices for OLEDs, solid state lighting and flat display components.
What are nanofluids? In our case, they are traditional fluids in which nanometer-size carbon nanotubes, which possess extreme thermal conductivity, are added to dramatically improve thermophysical properties. The unique aspects of nanofluids can be attributed to the high aspect ratio of carbon nanotubes as well as their robust structure. We are demonstrating that these nanofluids possess the following properties: