Hybrid Nanofiller-Enhanced Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites (CFRP) for Lightning Strike Protection (LSP)

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Aerospace Engineering

Background:

• Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are vital for aviation fuel efficiency but require lightning strike protection (LSP) due to their insulating nature.
• Traditional metallic meshes for LSP are heavy and prone to corrosion, necessitating advanced alternatives.
• Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer potential for enhancing CFRP properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate CFRP nanocomposites with GNPs and CNTs for improved lightning strike protection.
• To reconcile the discrepancy between enhanced matrix conductivity and overall panel conductivity after nanofilling.
• To propose a nondestructive method for assessing surface resin degradation post-lightning strike.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of CFRP nanocomposites incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
• Simulated lightning strike tests on nanoreinforced CFRP panels.
• Electrical conductivity measurements, ATR-FTIR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for pre- and post-strike analysis.
• Development and application of a UV-illumination method based on diphenyl ketone fluorescence for damage assessment.

Main Results:

• Nanofilled CFRPs exhibited significant reduction in lightning strike damage despite modest improvements in overall panel conductivity.
• The study provides a framework explaining the damage reduction mechanism in nanoreinforced CFRPs.
• The proposed UV-fluorescence method effectively assessed surface resin degradation non-destructively.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating GNPs and CNTs into CFRPs enhances lightning strike damage resistance.
• The developed UV-fluorescence technique offers a viable method for post-strike damage assessment in CFRPs.
• This research contributes to developing safer and more efficient lightweight materials for the aviation industry.