Duration: 36 months
Space suit technology developed in the 1980s has become outdated and has limitations, including bulky, stiff, and harmful flame-retardant materials. Moreover, cumbersome power sources are a potential fire hazard and increase design complexity. Current problems can be solved using a tribo- and piezoelectric hybrid material capable of harvesting electricity from a human movement developed on a polymer matrix loaded with nanomaterials. This project aims to create lightweight, durable, flame-retardant material with integrated power generation and sensing capabilities. Electrospun polymers possessing innate resistance to flames and tribo- or piezoelectric properties, such as polybenzimidazole, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and Nylon, can be employed for such tasks. Carbon-based nanomaterials like carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes, and graphene are promising flame-retardant alternatives that improve polymers' mechanical performance, sensing, and power generation capabilities without risking users or the environment. Combining a highly tribo- and piezoelectric polymer, such as PVDF, with a filler like carbon black will provide a highly resilient textile with sensing and power generation capabilities ideal for use in space exploration and beyond. The synergy will yield a resilient, lightweight hybrid material with flame resistance, sensing, and power generation capabilities that could be integrated with existing space suit technology into inner layers and act as a platform for future innovations. The potential impact of this research extends beyond space exploration, finding applications in industries requiring lightweight, flame-resistant materials with built-in functionality. Moreover, by advancing materials technology, the results of this project offer the potential to enhance human capabilities in extreme environments across various sectors.
