Integrated manufacturing of REciclable multi-material COmposites for the TRANSport sector
Composites with Synergistically Enhanced Thermodynamic and Mechanical Properties for Geothermal Heat Exchangers
This study explores enhancing ground heat exchangers for geothermal energy extraction by developing composites of high?density polyethylene, polyethylene?octene copolymer elastomer, and silicon carbide crystals modified with ??aminopropyltriethoxysilane. These composites exhibit high thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance, showing potential for sustainable geothermal energy utilization and environmental protection.Geothermal energy, derived from the radioactive decay of elements within the Earth's core, is a renewable and clean energy source. The extraction of geothermal energy primarily depends on ground heat exchangers. To address the issue of incompatibility between corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity, and mechanical performance in current ground heat exchangers, this study develops composites (PEPOE/SCA@SiC) composed of high?density polyethylene (HDPE) modified with toughener polyethylene?octene copolymer elastomer (POE) and silicon carbide (SiC) crystals modified with ??aminopropyltriethoxysilane (SCA). HDPE offers excellent corrosion resistance, SiC crystals provide efficient phonon transport, and SCA improves the interface compatibility of the composite. The thermal conductivity of PEPOE/SCA@SiC reaches 3.83?W?m?1K?1, with a maximum tensile strength of 20.3?MPa, a tensile elastic modulus of up to 498?MPa, and a maximum bending stress of 22.2?MPa with a bending elastic modulus of 561?MPa. Corrosion resistance tests indicate no signs of corrosion in PEPOE/SCA@SiC when exposed to geothermal simulation fluids at 90?°C for 30?days. This study demonstrates that PEPOE/SCA@SiC composites have substantial potential for application in ground heat exchangers, offering promising prospects for advancing sustainable use of geothermal energy and environmental protection.
» Author: Li Wan, Jinyin Wang, Wen Yue, Fankai Lin, Chuanhua Gao, XianJie Liu, Xin Min, Chengbiao Wang, ZhaoHui Huang
» Publication Date: 30/09/2024
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 768737
