Electrospun Piezoelectric Polymer Nanofiber Layers for Enabling in Situ Measurement in High-Performance Composite Laminates.

Saeid Lotfian,Claire Giraudmaillet,Hamed Yazdani Nezhad,Vijay Kumar Thakur,Ata Yoosefinejad

doi:10.1021/acsomega.8b00940

Saeid Lotfian, Claire Giraudmaillet + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.8b00940

Copy DOI

Journal: ACS omega	Publication Date: Aug 9, 2018
Citations: 45	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Cranfield University, University of Strathclyde

Abstract

This article highlights the effects from composite manufacturing parameters on fiber-reinforced composite laminates modified with layers of piezoelectric thermoplastic nanofibers and a conductive electrode layer. Such modifications have been used for enabling in situ deformation measurement in high-performance aerospace and renewable energy composites. Procedures for manufacturing high-performance composites are well-known and standardized. However, this does not imply that modifications via addition of functional layers (e.g., piezoelectric nanofibers) while following the same manufacturing procedures can lead to a successful multifunctional composite structure (e.g., for enabling in situ measurement). This article challenges success of internal embedment of piezoelectric nanofibers in standard manufacturing of high-performance composites via relying on composite process specifications and parameters only. It highlights that the process parameters must be revised for manufacturing of multifunctional composites. Several methods have been used to lay up and manufacture composites such as electrospinning the thermoplastic nanofibers, processing an inter digital electrode (IDE) made by conductive epoxy–graphene resin, and prepreg autoclave manufacturing aerospace grade laminates. The purpose of fabrication of IDE was to use a resin type (HexFlow RTM6) for the conductive layer similar to that used for the composite. Thereby, material mismatch is avoided and the structural integrity is sustained via mitigation of downgrading effects on the interlaminar properties. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analyses have been carried out in the material characterization phase. Pulsed thermography and ultrasonic C-scanning were used for the localization of conductive resin embedded within the composite laminates. This study also provides recommendations for enabling internally embedded piezoelectricity (and thus health-monitoring capabilities) in high-performance composite laminates.

Highlights

Various industries such as aerospace and renewable energy sectors intensively use polymer composite materials for their lightness and tailorable design as well as their outstanding mechanical properties
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was carried out using Jacson FTIR 6200ATR ZnSe, and the samples were treated under vacuum for 5 min each
This research highlights the importance of requiring new process cycles for addition of internal piezoelectric capability and conductive layers

Summary

Introduction

Various industries such as aerospace and renewable energy sectors intensively use polymer composite materials for their lightness and tailorable design as well as their outstanding mechanical properties. Smart composites have been developed for structural or internal deformation and damage measurement in various fields such as optoelectronics,[5−11] pulsed power systems,[12−14] temperature and vapor/liquid sensing,[15−20] energy harvesting,[21−25] and transistors and inverters.[20,26−31] In such composites, addition of electric, dielectric, or other functional materials and fillers enhances the electrical properties[32,33] as well as mechanical properties.[34]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion