Multifunctional composites and nanocomposites with applications in the aerospace industry

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) ,namely, nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix, have garnered academic and industrial interest since 1990.This is due to the very attractive properties of nanostructurated fillers, as carbon nanotubes, laser synthesized nanocarbon and layered silicates; PNCs do not expand the performance space of traditional filled polymers, but introduce new properties, low volume additions (1÷5 %) of nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes and montmorillonite providing properties and enhancements comparable to those achieved by conventional loadings (15-40%) of traditional fillers [1].Most important, tough, are value –added such as reduced permeability, flame retardant, increased resistance to oxidation and ablation. Also, the effect of carbon nanotubes on grain boundary sliding in zirconia policrystals as re- reentry shield, or thermal barrier [2]represents a matter of interest.Multifunctional composites are materials with carbon fibre or glass fibre as reinforcing networking in nanoaditivated polymer matrix.In aerospace technique these may be antistatic, antilightning, anti radar protectors, as paints, laminates and as sandwich structure. Though the most important application of nanocomposites is their usability in the engineered structural composites.The work presents a partial synthesis of researches performed in this field by the consortium INCAS, INFLPR, ICECHIM, Ovidius University within the CEEX Programme 2005.