Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Jet engine components, including inlets and VTOL stabiliser roll-posts, can provide harsh environments for non-metallic materials. Failure of coatings necessary for corrosion protection and degradation of structural polymers and composites can be catastrophic in aviation applications.
Here at QUT we have developed a number of degradation sensing compounds which we have called profluorescent nitroxides (PFNs). These PFNs have been shown to be potent sensors of the free-radicals generated within polymers as they degrade producing a fluorescent glow as they capture these reactive species. However the requirements for PFNs suitable for these demanding engine applications are such that new structural versions with higher stability are necessary.
This project will target the synthesis of new versions of PFNs including fluorinated and other halogen containing PFNs, as well as unique perylene analogues, with the main aim being to develop a PFN sensor for the detection of materials failure within coatings, polymers and polymer composites exposed to harsh and demanding environments.
Approaches: Development of the PFN materials will include:
- chemical modification of existing PFN compounds by halogenation or selection of appropriately substituted starting materials
- determination and synthesis of suitable perylene analogues
- incorporation of the developed PFN sensors into polymer materials including composites
- testing through various forms of mechanical damage and analysis via fluorescence spectroscopy.
References: Kathryn E. Fairfull-Smith et al., Macromolecules, 2008, 41 (5), pp 1577-1580.
- Study level
- Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
- Please contact the supervisor.
Professor Steven Bottle
Dr Kathryn Fairfull-Smith
Dr John Colwell
