2D-tech material as electrical insulation of carbon fibre

Purpose and goal:

This project intends to coat carbon fiber layers with 2D-tech material to obtain electrical insulation. The electrical insulation itself can have several applications but in the current project the need is to insulate embedded carbon nanotubes and carbon fiber veil from making electrical contact with the carbon fiber in the surrounding composite laminate. The purpose of the built-in carbon nanotubes is to use them as resistive/inductive sensors for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM).

Expected results and effects:

The goal of the project is to, through electrical isolation of the carbon fiber environment, create conditions for SHM built into a carbon fiber structure that does not affect the mechanical properties of the basic material and that does not mix different types of materials other than those already originally found in the composite structure. The goal of SHM built into composite structures is to get better known loads during operation and as a result less conservative dimensioning, which leads to lighter structures.

Approach and implementation:

In this pilot study, experimental work will be carried out on coating carbon fiber mats from Oxeon using Grafren´s patented method. Experimental trials will then take place at the coupon and laminate level isolating the carbon nanotubes and carbon fiber veil from making electrical contact with the surrounding carbon fiber environment. Saab and KTH will collaborate in this study through their knowledge of embedding the carbon nanotubes and evaluating the sensor properties at the laminate level.