Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities

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Publications

Synthetic polymer-based membranes for lithium-ion batteries

Publication . Martins, Pedro; Nunes-Pereira, João; Lanceros-Mendez, Senentxu; Costa, C. M.

Efficient energy storage systems are increasingly needed due to advances in portable electronics and transport vehicles, with lithium-ion batteries standing out among the most suitable energy storage systems for a large variety of applications. In lithium-ion batteries, the porous separator membrane plays a relevant role as it is placed between the electrodes, serves as a charge transfer medium, and affects the cycle behavior. Typically, porous separator membranes are comprised of a synthetic polymeric matrix embedded in the electrolyte solution. The present chapter focus on recent advances in synthetic polymers for porous separation membranes as well as on the techniques for membrane preparation and physicochemical characterization. The main challenges to improve the synthetic polymer performance for battery separator membrane applications are also discussed.

2020Book part

Restricted access

High deformation multifunctional composites: materials, processes, and applications

Publication . Costa, Pedro; Nunes-Pereira, João; Rial Tubio, Carmen; Dios, Jose Ramón; Lanceros-Mendez, Senentxu

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a nondestructive process of collecting and analyzing data from structures to evaluate their conditions and predict the remaining lifetime. Multifunctional sensors are increasingly used in smart structures to self-sense and monitor the damages through the measurements of electrical resistivity of composite materials. Polymer-based sensors possess exceptional properties for SHM applications, such as low cost and simple processing, durability, flexibility, and excellent piezoresistive sensitivity. Thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and elastomer matrices can be combined with conductive nanofillers to develop piezoresistive sensors. Polymer, reinforcement fillers, processing and design have critical influences in the overall properties of the composite sensors. Together with the properties of the functional composites, environmental concerns are being increasingly relevant for applications, involving advances in materials selection and manufacturing technologies. In this scenario, additive manufacturing is playing an increasing role in modern technological solutions. Stretchable multifunctional composites applications include piezoresistive, dielectric elastomers (mainly for actuators), thermoelectric or magnetorheological materials. In the following sections, piezoresistive materials and applications will be mainly addressed based on their increasing implementation into applications.

2021Book part

Restricted access

Review of Ceramic Composites in Aeronautics and Aerospace: A Multifunctional Approach for TPS, TBC and DBD Applications

Publication . Shvydyuk, Kateryna O.; Nunes-Pereira, João; Rodrigues, Frederico Miguel Freire; Silva, Abilio

The quest for increased performance in the aeronautical and aerospace industries has provided the driving force and motivation for the research, investigation, and development of advanced ceramics. Special emphasis is therefore attributed to the ability of fine ceramics to fulfill an attractive, extreme, and distinguishing combination of application requirements. This is impelled by ensuring a suitable arrangement of thermomechanical, thermoelectric, and electromechanical properties. As a result, the reliability, durability, and useful lifetime extension of a critical structure or system are expected. In this context, engineered ceramic appliances consist of three main purposes in aeronautical and aerospace fields: thermal protection systems (TPS), thermal protection barriers (TBC), and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators. Consequently, this research provides an extensive discussion and review of the referred applications, i.e., TPS, TBC, and DBD, and discusses the concept of multifunctional advanced ceramics for future engineering needs and perspectives.

2023Journal article

Open access

Long-lasting ceramic composites for surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators

Publication . Shvydyuk, Kateryna; Rodrigues, F.F.; Nunes-Pereira, João; Pascoa, José; Lanceros-Mendez, Senentxu; Silva, A Pereira

The developed research presents a novel experimental study of the cost-effective MgO-Al2O3, MgO-CaZrO3 perovskite, and thermally stable YSZ ceramic composites for DBD plasma actuators in aerospace applications. This study focuses on the implementation of ceramic DBD plasma actuators for aerodynamic flow control and ice creation mitigation. For this purpose, electrical power consumption analysis, induced flow velocities assessment, and mechanical and thermal characterization were performed. MgO-Al2O3 presented higher induced velocities than its zirconia-based counterparts of up to 3.3 m/s, and lower heat dissipation, achieving a ceiling temperature of 46 ºC, being thereby the best-suited candidate for active flow control mechanisms. In contrast, YSZ had very high-power consumption translated into a maximum surface temperature of 155.4 ºC, establishing itself for ice mitigation. This extensive research evinces that the strategic combination of the developed ceramics’ thermomechanical, thermoelectric, and electromechanical properties allows them to be a promising breakthrough material for DBD plasma actuators.

2023Journal article

Open access

Recent Developments on Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) Plasma Actuators for Icing Mitigation

Publication . Rodrigues, Frederico Miguel Freire; Abdollahzadehsangroudi, Mohammadmahdi; Nunes-Pereira, João; Pascoa, José

Ice accretion is a common issue on aircraft flying in cold climate conditions. The ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces disturbs the adjacent airflow field, increases the drag, and significantly reduces the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance. It also increases the weight of the aircraft and causes the failure of critical components in some situations, leading to premature aerodynamic stall and loss of control and lift. With this in mind, several authors have begun to study the thermal effects of plasma actuators for icing control and mitigation, considering both aeronautical and wind energy applications. Although this is a recent topic, several studies have already been performed, and it is clear this topic has attracted the attention of several research groups. Considering the importance and potential of using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators for ice mitigation, we aim to present in this paper the first review on this topic, summarizing all the information reported in the literature about three major subtopics: thermal effects induced by DBD plasma actuators, plasma actuators’ ability in deicing and ice formation prevention, and ice detection capability of DBD plasma actuators. An overview of the characteristics of these devices is performed and conclusions are drawn regarding recent developments in the application of plasma actuators for icing mitigation purposes.

2022Journal article

Open access