From personal computers to particle accelerators, High Performance Capacitors are vitally important to the effective functioning of nearly all electronics and electrical power systems. Researchers in CLiPS at CWRU have achieved a breakthrough by producing thin, co-extruded multilayered polymer films that combine the characteristics of high breakdown strength and high energy storage capacity with low energy loss. The CLiPS films fulfill several requirements for advanced capacitors:

• Film capacitors can replace batteries in some devices to achieve higher efficiencies and faster charge/discharge speeds

• These smaller and lighter capacitors are in line with the global trend of miniaturization of electronics

• High performance capacitors to power electronic devices may help to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels

• Military applications for high performance capacitors include areas such as reactive armor and all electric ships

Polymers are ideal for capacitors because of their excellent electrical properties, low cost, and ease of processing. When used for energy storage, capacitor films from a single polymer exhibit low energy storage and low temperature capability. The multilayer films being produced by CWRU for use in capacitors, however, combine the benefits of two or three component polymers and can provide both high energy density and high temperature capability at the same time.

Multiple Layers, Multiple Benefits: Producing High Performance Polymer Film Capacitors

Eric Baer, Case Western Reserve University, DMR 0423914

CLiPS Symposium Promotes Research, Education & Diversity GoalsEric Baer, Case Western Reserve University, DMR 0423914

For the past two years, CLiPS has sponsored, Frontiers in Polymer Science, a symposium on research, education and diversity that is presented at one of the Center’s affiliate institutions. The goal is to increase the visibility of the CLiPS-associated faculty member at the institution, raise awareness about polymer research and promote the participation of undergraduate students in the summer REU program and potentially, in graduate school.

In the early spring faculty and staff members traveled to CLiPS Affiliate Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. They presented their research and described CLiPS education and diversity programs to an audience of approximately 75 faculty members and students. Much interest was expressed both by faculty members and students at Bowie State. A similar seminar took place at CLiPS affiliate, Kentucky State University in 2013 and another is scheduled at Central State University for the fall of 2014.

CLiPS affiliate schools are institutions that do not offer doctoral degrees in CLiPS fields. These schools have been a good source of candidates for the REU and graduate programs at CWRU and other CLiPS partners. Several years ago, three HBCUs were added as affiliates in keeping with CLiPS’s goal to increase diversity.

Frontiers in Polymer Science - February 28, 2014

Bowie State University