Research Symposium

BIO

Kailen is a first year student studying Chemical Engineering, with minors in Economics and Business. Though she has not quite narrowed down what she wants to do, she hopes to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry that will help to develop new treatments or to make medications more accessible for patients. She currently works as an immunizing pharmacy technician and volunteers with organizations that target disparities within youth populations. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts, learning about different cultures, cooking new recipes, and spending time with her friends.

The Use of Boron Nitride Nanotubes in Sprayable Preceramic Polymer Coatings

Abstract

Existing research has shown that preceramic polymers can be cured with UV light to form polymer-derived ceramic materials. Upon light processing, the non- nanotube boron nitride is removed from the system, leaving only an ultra-lightweight complex which can add structure to materials without adding significant weight. Layer-by-layer spraying techniques have been found to have high efficacy in applying flat layers of silver nanowires to surfaces while maximizing the polarization efficacy. The purpose of this project is to develop a formula for a preceramic polymer solution with boron nitride nanotubes that can be used in airbrushing and other thin-layer application mechanisms. This solution will then be pyrolyzed into a polymer-derived ceramic with BNNTs dispersed throughout it to add structure and aid in the management of heat flow.

Keywords: ceramics, coating, chemical engineering, materials, polymer