Lightning strike damage resistance of carbon‐fiber composites with nanocarbon‐modified epoxy matrices

Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are replacing metal alloys in aerospace structures, but they can be vulnerable to lightning strike damage if not adequately protected due the poor electrical conductivity of polymeric matrix. In present work, improve CFRP, two electrically conductive epoxy formulations were developed via addition 0.5 wt% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and a hybrid GNPs/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at an 8:2 mass ratio. Unidirectional CFRP laminates manufactured using resin-infusion under flexible tooling (RIFT) wet lay-up (WL) processes, subjected simulated tests. The performance RIFT plates was far superior that WL plates, independent matrix modification, their greater carbon-fiber volume fraction. GNP-modified panel made demonstrated value 8 S/cm. After test, remains largely unaffected as no perforation occurs. Damage is limited degradation within top ply point impact localized charring surface. showed comparable level resistance against with existing copper mesh technology, offering same time 20% reduction structural weight. This indicates feasible route without extra weight, hence reducing fuel consumption safety.