The interlayer structures and lightning strike damage behaviors of the conductive particles modified highly tough composites

doi:10.19936/j.cnki.2096-8000.20240928.004

Abstract

Abstract: The goal of developing next generation of multifunctional structural composites for lightning strike protection is to maintain the mechanical properties while possessing good lightning-strike damage resistance. Two micrometer-sized conductive fillers were introduced into the interlayer of an aero-grade highly-tough composite with thick interlayer. Their effect on the short-beam strength (SBS), electrical conductivity, and lightning strike damage behavior were studied. The results show that the rod-like nickel plated carbon fiber powders formed good conductive paths between carbon plies and the conductivity through thickness direction (σ_z) increased by 361 times, reaching 0.622 S/cm, while the SBS slightly decreased. The Ag-plated t-ZnO particles formed a conductive band inside the interlayer with poor contact with the carbon plies, and its σ_z only increased by 39.6 times. A higher decrease of the SBS was found, but its SBS is still significantly higher than that of the composite modified by carbon nanotube coatings. The introduction of conductive fillers significantly reduced the damage areas and depths caused by simulated Zone 2A lightning strikes and improved the retention rates of flexural strengths of the damaged regions. Because of the large interlayer thickness and less electric contact between plies, the lightning strike damage behavior was significantly affected by σ_z. Large area delamination caused by the interlayer resin ablation was their main damage characteristic, which is significantly different from the damage characteristics of the composites with thin interlayer.

Key words: composites, lightning strike, electrical properties, conductive filler, damage behavior

CLC Number:

TB332

GUO Miaocai. The interlayer structures and lightning strike damage behaviors of the conductive particles modified highly tough composites[J]. COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, 2024, 0(9): 28-36.

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