Abstract
SWCNT-modified epoxy with advanced electrical properties was investigated in the paper. CFRPs have high specific strength and elastic modulus which are the most important properties for aerospace engineering. However a lack of electrical and heat conductivity makes efficient lightning strike protection and thermal de-icing complicated. In this research electric conductivity of epoxy binder for CFRP production is modified by addition of single-wall carbon nanotubes. Measurements of electrical conductivity of hardened epoxy binders are performed showing good increase of conductive properties.
Highlights
Nowadays the application of composites has increased drastically
The mixtures of epoxy and SWCNT were prepared by mechanical mixing during 1 minute and ultrasonication using UZDN-A (Russia) probe sonicator for 20 minutes with a frequency of 22 kHz and power of 130 W
The addition of 0.1% of SWCNTs increases the conductivity to 0.012 S/m
Summary
Nowadays the application of composites has increased drastically. Being the materials composed of two or more constituents they provide an unlimited variety of physical and mechanical properties that fit the exact application demands. One of the modern trends in the field of engineering of composites for structural applications is related to combined reinforcing by fiber-based materials (fabrics, mats, etc) and different additives (microfibers, nanofillers, etc). This allows obtaining better mechanical properties and achieving new quality that is not inherent to traditional fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). For example one approach for providing electrical conductivity to carbon FRP is addition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) resulting in so-called hybrid CFRP [1,2]. There are different additives being studied to modify FRPs. Metal powders can be used for providing electrical conductivity and improving thermal conductive properties [1,3,4]. Different research groups use microsized additives and nanomaterials [6,7] concluding that both types can be used for manufacturing of hybrid FRPs having advantages and disadvantages
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