Thread Content
In collaboration with the University of Bristol and aerospace company Bombardier, the University of Surrey has developed a new technology that can improve the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of traditional composite materials. This technology involves growing carbon nanotubes on the surface of carbon fibers in order to improve the properties of the composite materials. Researchers believe that this technology holds great significance for the development of the aviation industry, as it can be used for de-icing and reducing fuel vapor formation during high-altitude flight. Research indicates that carbon fiber reinforced composites will move toward multi-functional applications in the future, while still maintaining their structural integrity. New features include sensors, capability acquisition lighting, and communication antennas, all of which can now be integrated into composite material structures. In the future, carbon nanotube-modified carbon fiber composites will enable a number of exciting potential applications, such as self-healing energy harvesting and storage structures. Currently, researchers are working on the development of these prototypes. Due to the poor electrical conductivity of carbon fiber composites, the aerospace industry still relies on metal copper mesh to provide protection against lightning strikes and prevent the accumulation of surface static electricity. This increases the weight of carbon fiber composites and the difficulty of manufacturing them. The high-quality carbon nanotubes developed by the researchers grow at high density on carbon fibers, enabling the overall electrical conductivity of the composite material.