Neutron studies of phonon transport in thermally insulating carbon-sink materials

Research question

The project will address several research questions of fundamental importance to better understand heat transport in organic nanomaterials including: how can phonon-transport in bio- and waste-based organic nanomaterials be probed and quantified using Neutron-based techniques; how does humidity influence phonon transport and structure in hygroscopic organic nanomaterials; how should information on phonon transport and structure be utilized to develop a solid base for optimization of bio-based and waste-based organic nanomaterials for thermal insulation?

Sustainability aspects

This project will contribute to the development of efficient thermal insulation materials that have a significantly lower carbon footprint than today’s fossil-based or mineral wool-based foams. Reducing the energy needed to maintain a pleasant interior environment in buildings and at the same time replace current fossil-based insulation materials are essential for the mitigation of climate change. This project aims to provide fundamental knowledge to assist the development of thermally insulating biobased and wastebased nanomaterials.