Krzysztof Pielichowski

Polymer nanocomposites for aerospace applications

Abstract: Advances in nanotechnology will lead to improvements in capabilities across a spectrum of applications. The uses of polymer nanocomposites in aerospace structures have had a significant effect on aerospace design and applications, primarily by providing safer, faster and eventually cheaper transportation in the future. This chapter reviews key properties of polymer nanocomposites for potential aerospace applications. In particular, the chapter discusses mechanical, field emission, thermal, electrical and optical properties of polymer nanocomposites for aerospace needs.

On Nanoparticles Release from Polymer Nanocomposites for Applications in Lightweight Automotive Components

Nano and micro reinforced glass fibre-polymer composites have been manufactured to investigate different effect such as filler type, filler size and matrix materials on the particle emission during low velocity impact test. Nano and micro- silica, as well as nanoclay reinforced crash cones were prepared with a two step extrusion process and final injection moulding of the structures. The addition of secondary filler into the glass-fibre reinforced polymer composites had significant influence on the mechanical behaviour of the material as well as on the particle emission. In general, nano and ultrafine airborne particles were emitted from all investigated materials. However, composite filled with nanoclay emitted higher amounts of particles than those filled with nano and microsilica. One reason for the increase of particle emission of the nanoclay filled composites was the change of the failure behaviour of the matrix. However, similar results of particle emission were obtained for both nano and microsilica fillers, which in general did not vary significantly from the results obtained from traditionally reinforced glass fibres polymer composites.