Projects / Programmes
Advanced soft nematocaloric materials
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P250 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Condensed matter: structure, thermal and mechanical properties, crystallography, phase equilibria |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
giant mechanocaloric effect, liquid crystal elastomers, cooling devices, environmentally friendly technology, improved energy efficiency
Researchers (8)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
We propose research on soft mechanocaloric materials, based on liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), to initiate the development of novel mechanocaloric cooling elements for environmentally friendlier cooling technologies with superior energy efficiency. We intend to exploit the elastocaloric (eC) and barocaloric (BC) realizations of the mechanocaloric (mC) effect in LCEs. As discussed recently in our preliminary study, published in Phyl. Trans. R. Soc. A, a nontrivial eC response of 0.35-1.0 K is present in main-chain LCEs with relatively low, 75% strain, induced by two orders of magnitude smaller mechanical stress as compared to conventional shape memory alloys (SMA). It is thus plausible to expect an eC response, as well as the so far elusive BC response, of several degrees in the best performing main-chain LCEs with readily accessible strains up to 600%. In our recent Nat. Commun. publication, we demonstrated how to overcome size- and shape-limitations of conventional LCEs by doping magnetic field-oriented LCE microparticles to the polymer matrix. As commented in the Research Highlights of November 2016 edition of Nature Physics, this paves the way towards “morph on demand”, mouldable thermomechanically functionalized conventional elastomers, a mandatory prerequisite for efficient implementation of LCEs into mC effect-harvesting cooling devices. Our final goal of building the first prototype of the mC, soft material-based cooling device, will be realized by (i) synthesizing and selecting most efficient mC LCEs materials, this will be supported by (ii) developing molecular model for eC LCE materials and determining relevant physical and structural parameters for enhancing mC response, (iii) maximizing their eC response, life-time, and durability (up to at least 107 cycles) while minimizing Joule heating and fatigue, as well as (iii) assembling a prototype of LCE based eC cooling device and testing its performance in view of the established hot side-cold side temperature gradient. Results will be disseminated to professional audience in the form of a functional cooling device prototype, scientific articles, domestic and international patents, and lectures at international and domestic scientific meetings, and to general audience through promotional articles in public media (internet, TV, newspapers, radio). The project group is capable of fulfilling the agenda of project for its vast experience in developing caloric materials, including LCEs, in performing caloric effect measurements, in developing new cooling techniques based on solid-state cooling. The team’s skill in application-oriented research has recently been confirmed through purchase of a European patent (from the field of the electrocaloric (EC) effect) by Gorenje Group, one of the prominent European home appliance manufacturers, headquartered in Slovenia. The project presents the first attempt in the world to employ LCEs as mC materials. The proposed research and development, which, until now, has not been conducted in such completeness, therefore represents an original contribution to science. Furthermore, the project results will be of fundamental importance in developing future cooling technologies based on soft mC materials. This should have great potential impact on various cooling applications, as well as on niches ranging from microelectronics and microrobotics to macro cooling devices in industrial and energy production processes, and even in space technologies. The results of the project should also contribute substantially to competitiveness of Slovenian and European industry and society in general, by not solely opening a new research field in Slovenia, but by introducing new lead technologies and industrial branches. Moreover, the project results could have significant importance not only for Slovenian industry, but also on the world’s industry related to the development of a new generation of cooling devices.
Significance for science
The project proposes an original research in development of advanced soft nematocaloric materials with giant mechanocaloric effect induced with typically three orders of magnitude lower stress fields than in the current mechanocaloric materials, with superior caloric responsivity and durability, of at least 107 cycles, and with higher energy efficiency. Further, it proposes a building of the first prototype of an elastocaloric cooling device based on liquid crystal elastomers. Moreover, the project represents the first such attempt in the world to use LCEs as mechanocaloric materials. The represented research and development, which, until now, has not been conducted in such completeness, are thus an original contribution to science. Furthermore, the project results will be of fundamental importance for the development of future cooling technologies based on soft mechanocaloric materials. This will have great potential impact on various cooling applications, as well as on niches ranging from micro to macro cooling devices in industrial and energy production processes. The obtained knowledge will be transferred to the academic scientific and pedagogical areas, and the activities within the project will help in the training of young researchers within their PhD studies.
Significance for the country
The project proposes an original research in development of advanced soft nematocaloric materials with giant mechanocaloric effect induced with typically three orders of magnitude lower stress fields than in the current mechanocaloric materials, with superior caloric responsivity and durability, of at least 107 cycles, and with higher energy efficiency. Further, it proposes a building of the first prototype of an elastocaloric cooling device based on liquid crystal elastomers. Moreover, the project represents the first such attempt in the world to use LCEs as mechanocaloric materials. The represented research and development, which, until now, has not been conducted in such completeness, are thus an original contribution to science. Furthermore, the project results will be of fundamental importance for the development of future cooling technologies based on soft mechanocaloric materials. This will have great potential impact on various cooling applications, as well as on niches ranging from micro to macro cooling devices in industrial and energy production processes. The obtained knowledge will be transferred to the academic scientific and pedagogical areas, and the activities within the project will help in the training of young researchers within their PhD studies.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
