PHOTORESPONSIVE, FORM-STABLE PHASE CHANGE COMPOSITES AND PHOTODETECTORS MADE THEREFROM

摘要

Composite materials comprising electrically conductive particles in a form-stable phase change materials (PCMs) are provided. Also provided as radiation sensors incorporating the composites and methods for detecting radiation using the composites. The PCMs comprise crosslinked polyether polyol that undergoes a reversible solid-solid phase change upon heating. Prior to the phase change, the crosslinked polyether polyol comprises microscopic crystalline domains. When the PCM is heated beyond its phase transition temperature these microscopic crystalline domains melt. However, the form-stable PCMs retain their solid form at the macroscopic level.

主权项

1. A photodetector comprising:
a composite comprising:
a form-stable phase change material comprising crystalline domains of crosslinked polyether polyol surrounded by an amorphous matrix of crosslinked polyether polyol, the form-stable phase change material characterized in that it undergoes a reversible form-stable phase change upon heating;electrically conductive particles dispersed in the amorphous matrix of crosslinked polyether polyol; andradiation-absorbing particles dispersed in the amorphous matrix of crosslinked polyether polyol and characterized in that they are capable of absorbing radiation and converting it into thermal energy; and a probe configured to measure a phase change-induced change in the electrical resistivity of the composite.