Polymeric composites interlayer enablers in the nano-scale

Carbon fiber reinforced matrix polymer composites prepared by layered layout and bonding have become an important material and process class used in aerospace. However, from both an analytical as well as a manufacturing perspective, the lamination process is expected to yield an apparently homogeneous structure with a uniform stress distribution through the thickness of the material. This work presents an inter-layered multifunctional CFRP material, integrating nano-technologies as structural composite enablers, to improve through-thickness properties of the composite laminates. These interlayers are expected to enhance both manufacturing and performance characteristics of laminated composite structures. The integral implementation of the laminates can be realized through impregnation techniques that have been developed at the Polymeric Composites Laboratory [1]. Specifically, developed technologies such as controlled nano-foamed epoxies [2], carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown in the z-axis [3, 4], aluminum-nickel nano-heaters [5] and others, as well as their combinations, can can serve as enabling technologies for a well-integrated multifunctional interlayer composite, resulting in a superior structural polymer composite. CNTs provide higher toughness and impact resistance, while the controlled nano-foamed epoxies are able to reduce the overall weight, but most importantly prevent crack propagation. Finally, the nano-heaters can self-cure the material, or they can be activated when the material is deformed, to inhibit or at least reduce delamination effects.