Targeted Enhancement of Critical Composite Interfaces using Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

Vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) will be selectively applied at interfaces in laminated composite structures to effect locally the mechanical properties that limit rotorcraft structures, such as fatigue and damage tolerance. In Phase I this work will quantify these effects in CFRP and CFRP/GFRP hybrid coupons. The VACNT material will be transferred directly onto prepreg plies, but also introduced using a compatible resin film as a vector. Both standard coupons and tapered (ply-dropped) coupons will be evaluated. Analysis of failed coupons will associate damage modes with VACNT properties and integration schemes. Success in Phase I will achieve significant increases in interface dominated laminate properties at the coupon level, combining VACNT local reinforcement with incumbent fiber/resin systems. During Phase II these benefits will enable both enhanced durability at the component level e.g., flexbeam, rotor; as well as increased design freedom to enable more structurally-efficient and/or compact structures. N12 Technologies produces large format VACNTs at scale for composite applications, and will partner with University of Dayton Research Institute to perform the fabrication, testing and analysis of VACNT-reinforced coupons.