Integrated manufacturing of REciclable multi-material COmposites for the TRANSport sector
Composite damage tolerance and through thickness conductivity by interleaving carbon fiber veil nanocomposites
A polymer matrix composite includes layers that alternate between a thin carbon fiber veil layer and a thicker base carbon fiber reinforcement layer. Each veil is coated with conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prior to being added as a laminate layer. Epoxy resin fixes CNTs extended into adjacent reinforcement layers, which results in a composite improved in interlaminar strength, fracture toughness, and impact resistance. Thermal and electrical conductivity are also improved due to the conductive CNTs bridging the resin-insulating interlayer region. As the fuzzy fiber veil is not relied on to provide strength or stiffness to the composite structure, any damage to the veil will not affect composite integrity. Also, as the CNT growth is not on a replacement section of reinforcement layer, the composite avoids pitfalls of strength degradation, reinforcing phase continuity disruption, and residual stress introduction.
» Number: US10759140B1 (B1)
» Publication Date: 01/09/2020
» Applicant: NASA?[US]; US ADMIN OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION?[US]
» Inventor: MILLER SANDI?[US]
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 768737
