PAIR Distinguished Lecture by Prof. Deborah D.L. CHUNG on 'Carbon Fiber Multifunctionality Enabled by Conductivity, Dielectricity and Inductance'

Abstract:

Continuous carbon fibers are well developed structural materials that are widely used for lightweight composite structures such as those for aircraft and wind turbines. Their functions have extended from structural to non-structural ones, as needed for smart structures. The multifunctionality is increasingly rich, encompassing not only the relatively well-known conductivity, but also the relatively little known dielectricity (permittivity and electret behavior) and inductance (microstructure driven, without the need for coiling). Single carbon fiber exhibits permittivity 10⁸ and inductance that is 10³ of the value calculated based on the dimensions. The permittivity of a conductor involves emerging science, which differs from that of the well-established dielectric science of nonconductors. The behavior promises new applications related to sensing, electronics, energy and electric machines, all utilizing multifunctional structures.

Remarks:

This lecture is dedicated to Prof. Chung’s father, Mr Leslie Wah-Leung Chung (1917–2009), former Head of the Department of Commerce and Management Studies of the Hong Kong Technical College (the forerunner of PolyU) until his retirement in 1972. He was instrumental in establishing accounting education in Hong Kong.

Moreover, he served as the President of the Hong Kong Chinese Civil Servants’ Association in the late 1960s. In addition, he was wounded in action as a Gunner in the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps in the Battle of Hong Kong (World War II) in 1941.