Oct 30 2018
An innovative material, which is inspired by nature, can manipulate its own temperature and could be used for treating burns as well as for helping space capsules endure atmospheric forces is being designed at the University of Nottingham.
Credit: University of Nottingham
The research paper, “Temperature-dependent polymer absorber as a switchable state NIR reactor,” has been published in the journal Scientific Reports on Friday 26th October.
“A major challenge in material science is to work out how to regulate man-made material temperature as the human body can do in relationship to its environment,” explains lead author Dr Mark Alston, Assistant Professor in Environmental Design, from the Faculty of Engineering.
The study used a network of numerous microchannels with active flowing fluids (fluidics) as a technique and proof of concept to create a thermally-functional material composed of a synthetic polymer.
The material is improved with specific control measures that can change conductive states to cope with its own temperature in relationship to its environment.
“This bio-inspired engineering approach advances the structural assembly of polymers for use in advanced materials. Nature uses fluidics to regulate and manage temperature in mammals and in plants to absorb solar radiation though photosynthesis and this research used a leaf-like model to mimic this function in the polymer.”
Dr Alston adds: “This approach will result in an advanced material that can absorb high solar radiation, as the human body can do, to cool itself autonomously whatever the environment it is placed in. A thermally-functional material could be used as a heat regulation system for burn injuries to cool skin surface temperature and monitor and improve healing.”
This kind of heat flow management could also prove extremely vital in space flight where high solar loads can put thermal stresses on the structural reliability of space capsules.
Regulating the vehicle’s structural material temperature will not only boost structural properties but could also produce beneficial power.
This thermal energy could be removed from the re-circulated fluid system to be kept in a reservoir tank on board the capsule. Once stored, the energy could be changed into electrical energy or to heat water for the crew to use.
The experimental side of this study is laboratory-based and has been established in partnership with UK Government research institute: Scientific Research Facilities Council (SRFC).
The subsequent steps for the research are to gain funding for a demonstrator scale-up to present to aerospace manufacturing and to locate an industrial partner.