Development of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polymer Composites

Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are increasingly used in DoD systems due to their high specific strength and stiffness. Matrix resin systems with higher temperature stability provide improved benefits in aerospace platforms in extreme environments.  However, these promising high temperature composite systems typically have inherently poor interlaminar strength and toughness which can lead to delamination and structural failure.  Toughening these systems by traditional lower temperature additives is not technically feasible. Luna’s team leverages extensive composite design and fabrication experience to develop carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymer composites with high glass transition temperatures. Aligned CNTs will be produced and incorporated into these polymer composite systems. The process will be optimized to maximize CNT reinforcing effects without impacting the in-plane properties of the incumbent composites. The expected TRL or TRL range at completion of the project (Phase I) is 4 to 5.