Composite Materials Research Progress

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Reinforcement:
Advanced materials
technology
a. New fibers: PBO,
UHMWPE fibers, etc.
b. Nano-tech based:
• 1D reinforcement:
(i) Spun nanofibers
(nanocomposites)
(ii) Nano-scaled fibers (e.g.
nano-PAN based CF)
(iii) Ropes, yarns, bundles
(e.g. CNT ropes, yarns)
• 2D reinforcement:
Film, sheet, mat, etc.
(e.g. Bucky paper,
nano paper)
c. Hybridization: e.g.ARALL
W.H. Zhong, R.G. Maguire, S.S. Sangari et al.
Improve properties for FRP composites
Interface:
a. Nano-coating fibers
(e.g., CNTs coated GF)
Improve interfacial adhesion
b. Reactive nano-matrix
(nanocomposites)
(e.g. reactive nano-epoxy:
improve wetting& adhesion)
Reliable and low cost
manufacturing technology
Matrix:
Nano-filled Resin:
(nanocomposites)
a. Simple physical mixture of
polymer and nano-fillers
b. Integration of nano
polymer systems
(e.g. CNTs-epoxy, GNFsepoxy)
c. multi-functionalization
Figure 3. Routes of property enhancement for macro-composites.
With the success and proliferation of state-of-the-art composite materials in many areas
including aerospace and renewable energy structures, there are new opportunities that are
being considered now that the bar has been successfully raised with the 787. Some of these
will be explored in this chapter.
I. Nanocomposites and Multifunctional Materials: carbon nanotubes (CNTs),
nanofibers, and nanoplatelets have a natural affinity for polymeric materials and their
inclusion in composites offers the promise of multi-functionality: electrical/thermal
conductivity, acoustic damping and optical functionalities may be combined with
load bearing capabilities.
II. Hybridization: we see a new generation of metal/composite combinations deriving
from early attempts such as GLARE®, ARALL®, titanium/graphite (TiGr), but
utilizing new processes for the applications of monodisperse metallic coatings of
high mechanical properties and durability, as well as multi-functionality.
III. Alternatives to Carbon Fibers and Next Generation Carbon Fibers: as the
understanding of the shortcomings of organic fibers such as UHMWPE increases,
new approaches to interface enhancements are being developed which offer the