CNT Composites for Aerospace Applications

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes were synthesized by thermal arc plasma process after optimization of the synthesis parameters. These samples were then analysed by Scanning and Transmission electron microscopes (SEM and TEM), in order to establish the morphology of the nanostructures. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Electron diffraction studies were also carried out before using the sample for the composite material preparation. Composites of epoxy resin with curing agent as well as a mixture of graphite and carbon nanotubes were prepared with varying proportions of the mixture. The electrical resistivity of the material was studied under varying pressure and voltage conditions. Preliminary results of these studies present interesting features which are reported here.

CNT Conductive Epoxy Composite Metamaterials: Design, Fabrication, and Characterization

“…In order to achieve agreement between experimental measurement and finite element model, relative electrical permittivity, ε r , was used as a fitting parameter. There are articles in the literature that report permittivity of 1 < ε r < 44 for conductive composites [ 28 , 30 ], and those values were used as starting points in analysis. Using ε r of 35 for 0.10% loading and ε r of 30 for 0.20% loading provided acceptable agreement between experimental measurements and the model.…”

“…Electrically conductive composites, specifically produced using insulating polymeric materials and additive conductive fillers, have been in high demand, due to their exceptional properties and potential for various applications, including but not limited to: EMI shielding, electrostatic dissipation (ESD), sensor components, and bio-medical devices [ 1 , 21 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Depending on the end-use applications for the composite material, a varying resistivity value may be required, with ESD and EMI usually being in the semiconductor range [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Prediction of Interfacial Properties of High-Performance Polymers and Flattened CNT-Reinforced Composites using Molecular Dynamics

“…The need for lightweight ultra-strong structural materials is increasingly being recognized for the next generation of space vehicles for deep-space human travel. To fulfill this need, significant focus has been placed on carbon nanotube (CNT) based composites materials [1][2][3][4]. These materials have the potential to exhibit superior thermo-mechanical properties relative to the current state-of-the-art composites [5,6].…”

Introduction of Rare-Earth Oxide Nanoparticles in CNT-Based Nanocomposites for Improved Detection of Underlying CNT Network

“…Nanoscale composites utilizing carbon nanotube (CNT) filler allow for significant reductions in resistivity of an otherwise highly insulating matrix material while requiring extremely low CNT loadings [ 1 ]. These improved conductivities result in an attractive material with extensive applications in diverse industries, but particularly for electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) prevention [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. These enhancements are heavily dependent on nanofiller dispersion in the matrix material.…”