Multifunctional Energy Harvesting Nanocomposites: A Collaboration Across Continents

Dimitris C. Lagoudas, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, DMR 0844082

-By combining chemical extraction expertise of Kaddami (Morocco) and PNC processing and piezo characterization of Ounaies (US), we developed cellulose nanowhisker-reinforced polymer composites where both mechanical and dielectric properties are enhanced at extremely low loadings of CWs.

-We established a methodology for comparing various configurations of piezoelectric flexible materials for harvesting energy from ocean power; we optimized device configuration, active material, connection pattern, size and location for maximum volumetric power production (W/m3).

Acid Hydrolysis

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INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE for MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS for ENERGY CONVERSION (IIMEC)

S. Kalidindi , Z. Ounaies and H. Kaddami, 2010 Smart Mater. Struct. 19 094002 (6pp)A. Pankonien and Z. Ounaies, 2010 SMASIS Conference

Multifunctional Energy Harvesting Nanocomposites: Workshops and Collaboration Across Continents

Dimitris C. Lagoudas, Texas Engineering Experiment Station, DMR 0844082

-A short course on multifunctional materials was taught by Ounaies (TAMU) at Ecole Polytechnic in Tunis to first year Masters students. Three students (two of which are female) from that class are now at TAMU, conducting research in related areas: O. Ltaif (compositesSMA ), A Meksi (SMAs) , and E. Helal (nanocomposites for dielectric storage).

-An international workshop on shape memory alloys successfully took place in June 20-24th, 2010 in Istanbul, Turkey. In addition to disseminating important research results, the workshop played an important role in educating a globally-oriented workforce.

-A kick-off meeting (first annual IIMEC meeting) took place in January 25-27, 2010 in College Station, TX. One result of the meeting and break-out sessions is the creation of cross-collaboration between North African countries and institutions, which will feed into IIMEC’s goals of creating an international materials network, and advancing discoveries in the area of multifunctional materials.

EPT students, Olfa Ltaif, Emna Helal and Anis Meksi conducting research at TAMU.

Student Exchanges

Workshops and Short Courses

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE for MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS for ENERGY CONVERSION (IIMEC)