Nanoscale Intralaminar Reinforcement for Biometric Toughening of Bismalemide Composites

In this program, the Foster-Miller/Clemson University team will use single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) or carbon nanofibers as a reinforcing element promoting interlaminar shear strength and toughness in a biomimetic carbon fiber/ bismaleimide resincomposite based on an insect cuticle model. The material will consist of laminae of continuous carbon fibers in a bismaleimide in place of the chitin fibers in a proteinaceous matrix found in the insect model, and high-performance carbon fillers such asSWNTs or nanofibers bridging the lamina in place of the interlaminar fibrils which provide interlaminar reinforcement in the biological composite. Foster-Miller will employ ultrasonic tape lamination to consolidate the BMI laminates, and cure according tothe standard curing cycle. Cured laminates will be evaluated by measurement of the apparent short beam shear strength, and by notched and unnotched tensile testing. SWNTs used in the program will be supplied by Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc., and surfacemodification will be performed by both Carbon Nanotechnologies and Clemson University. (P-030427)Anticipated Benefits Development of a technique for suppression of delamination failures in laminated composites will have significant benefits for a wide range of aerospace applications. This new family of biomimetically toughened composite materials would have manystructural high performance applications, including both military and commercial.