Innovative Approaches for Enhancing Interlaminar Shear Strength of Two-Dimensional (2D) Composite Reinforced Flexbeams and Yokes

This Phase I Small Business Innovative Research Program will develop and characterize a novel class of low-cost, lightweight hybrid composite materials that will enhance both the interlaminar shear strength and the high-cycle fatigue life of composite structures used for Navy rotorcraft applications, such as flexbeams and yokes. Performance Polymer Solutions Inc. will develop composite structures utilizing a patented Nanofiber Fused Microfiber (Nf2-M) approach, which produces a three-dimensional reinforcement microstructural architecture of multi-walled carbon nanotubes fused directly to primary reinforcing glass fibers. Incorporating Nf2-M hybrid material into these structures will enhance composite mechanical and thermal performance, thus increasing interlaminar shear strength and high-cycle fatigue life, without the addition of tooling or manufacturing process steps, all while maintaining the lightweight and low-cost characteristics of Navy rotorcraft systems.