Intrinsically Damping Composites

Nanostructured epoxies are proposed as matrices for intrinsically damping glass fiber reinforced composites. Comprising blends of standard epoxy resins modified by addition of liquid thermoplastic polymers and complex anion electrolytes, these materials self-structure during cure to form co-continuous networks of high strength epoxy and linear polymer having nano-scale inter-domain dimensions. The unique morphology and high interfacial area provide these materials with rigidity, toughness and an inherent vibrational damping capability of 5%. These blends strongly bond to glass fiber reinforcements and have a proven ability to form high strength composite materials. In this research this technology will be exploited to provide self-damping composites specifically engineered for submarine application.