Giulia Fredi

Thermal energy storage (TES) and release systems are currently being investigated in various fields, including civil and industrial building construction and renewable energy utilization. One possible approach for TES is based on the melting/crystallization processes of polymer compounds. The objective of this project is to develop new structural composites that combine high mechanical properties with TES functionality. The study seeks to examine the use of high-performance fibers to reinforce thermosetting and thermoplastic matrices. The investigation encompasses the matrix composition, processing conditions, and resulting thermomechanical properties.

The thesis aims to develop single-polymer thermoplastic composites based on polyamide 6 (PA6) by in situ anionic polymerization of ε-caprolactam in presence of PA6 fiber. Various types of reinforcing fibers will be considered, differing in cross-section geometry, surface finishing, and mechanical properties. The work is being conducted in close cooperation with a well-known polyamide 6 yarn company based in Trentino.

The project aims to develop nanofibrous membranes based on furanoate polyesters, fully bioderivate biopolymers with properties equal to or superior to those of their petrochemical counterparts, the terephthalate polyesters such as PET. The goal of this thesis is to produce such membranes by studying how process parameters affect microstructure and thermomechanical properties. Finally, potential applications in the biomedical and electronics fields will be evaluated.

The work involves the experimental and numerical investigation of the pultrusion process of reactive thermoplastic matrix composites. The thesis is part of the INFRALight collaborative project, whose objective is to develop a light rail infrastructure on piles consisting of composite material rails for the circulation of very light autonomous shuttles.

The thesis work will be performed at the Institut Clément Ader (ICA) at the IMT Mines Albi site (Albi, Tarn, France), in collaboration with prof. Olivier De Almeida.