Radiation and electrostatic resistance for ultra-stable polymer composites reinforced with carbon fibers

Abstract

Future space travel needs ultra-lightweight and robust structural materials that can withstand extreme conditions with multiple entry points to orbit to ensure mission reliability. This is unattainable with current inorganic materials. Ultra-highly stable carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) have shown susceptibility to environmental instabilities and electrostatic discharge, thereby limiting the full lightweight potential of CFRP. A more robust and improved CFRP is needed in order to improve space travel and structural engineering further. Here, we address these challenges and present a superlattice nano-barrier–enhanced CFRP with a density of ~3.18 g/cm 3 that blends within the mechanical properties of the CFRP, thus becoming part of the composite itself. We demonstrate composites with enhanced radiation resistance coupled with electrical conductivity (3.2 × 10 −8 ohm⋅m), while ensuring ultra-dimensionally stable physical properties even after temperature cycles from 77 to 573 K.

Upcycling of Carbon Fiber/Thermoset Composites into High‐Performance Elastomers and Repurposed Carbon Fibers

“…It should be mentioned that the PU−AP thermosets are highly stable in aqueous HCl solutions (1 M), and no pinacol rearrangement reaction occurs for PU−AP thermosets under such a condition. The excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability of CF/PU−AP composites can enable their applications in automotive interiors and electronic devices [36–38,51] …”

“…Among various polymer composites, carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (CFRCs) have vital roles in lightweight automobiles, wind turbine blades, and aerospace applications [32–39] . Traditional CFRCs are composed of carbon fibers (CFs) and 3D‐crosslinked thermoset binders.…”

Superior mechanical and ballistic performance of carbon nanotube‐reinforced phenolic/aramid fabric composites via a two‐roll pressing process

“…Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have generated significant interest in the areas of advanced highperformance materials and structure. [1][2][3][4] Specifically, the aramid fiber (AF), carbon fiber (CF), glass fiber (GF), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO, commonly referred as Zylon), are commonly used for ballistic protection. [5][6][7][8] In this regard, the AF is a high-performance synthetic fiber with excellent mechanical properties, good thermal stability, and lightweight properties, and is widely used in personal protective equipment, such as body armor and ballistic helmets.…”

“…Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have generated significant interest in the areas of advanced high‐performance materials and structure 1–4 . Specifically, the aramid fiber (AF), carbon fiber (CF), glass fiber (GF), ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and p‐phenylene‐2,6‐benzobisoxazole (PBO, commonly referred as Zylon), are commonly used for ballistic protection 5–8 .…”