Department of Physics Dalhousie University Seminar Series Electronics based on structural composites by Professor Deborah D.L. Chung Composite Materials Research Laboratory State University of New York at Buffalo Electronics are conventionally based on non-structural materials such as silicon. However, electronics based on structural materials have emerged, thus allowing a structure to provide electronic functions and become multifunctional. The polymer-matrix composites are important for lightweight structures, such as aircraft, automobiles, rotating machinery, sporting goods and wheel chairs. The cement-matrix composites are important for the civil infrastructure. Continuous fibers are more effective than short fibers as a reinforcement, but short fibers are less expensive and can be incorporated in a concrete mix.
Low cost is needed for a practical concrete.
Structural electronics refer to electronics made from structural materials. Heat dissipation is a critical problem in conventional electronics. Conventional electronic materials such as semiconductors are relatively expensive, particularly when vacuum processing, single crystals and high purity are required. A structural material must have good mechanical properties, but a semiconductor tends to have poor mechanical properties. The use of a structural material for electronics results in electronics that are mechanically rugged.