Review Paper Composite Materials
Review Paper Composite Materials
Review Paper Composite Materials
1. Introduction
Aerospace industry is one of the foremost adopters of advanced composite
materials.
Materials are being used in every sector of aircraft. Composite materials have
changed
the scenario of aircraft industry. Composite materials are a complex material that
combines two or more substances that gives more strength or efficiency for
materials.
From Boeing industry to military aircraft industry every aircraft is using these
composites
for getting more benefits. Another addition of these industries is the nanocomposites.
Nanocomposites have provided various solutions of materials to the aerospace
industry.
Various types are nanocomposites are available such as- ceramic matrix, metal
matrix,
polymer matrix nanocomposites etc. These all have some unique properties that give
the developer a better solution in case of materials. Recent developments in aircraft
design can be seen in the Bombardier C-series, Airbus A380 and Boeing B787
airliners.
It has led to a dramatic rise in the use of composites and a corresponding increase in
adhesive bonding of primary structures in aircraft. Though Composites have some
advantages, it has some limitations, which are need to be overcome. In this paper
we
will discuss the basics of composites, its benefits, uses and some limitations and
lastly
its future aspect that can make the aircraft industry more soothing.
Aramid fiber: It is a class of heart-resistant and strong synthetic fibres. Mainly they
are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic rated body armour fabric
and ballistic composites, in bicycle tires, and as an asbestos substitute.
Besides more research works are going on in order to invent more composite
materials to utilize in aircraft industries.
Thermosets Thermoplastics
Forms cross-linked networks in polymerization curing by heating No chemical
change
Epoxies Phenolics Polyester Polyimides PPS, PEEK
_ Most popular
_ 80% of total
composite usage
_ Moderately high
temp.
_ Comparatively
expensive
_ Cheaper
_ Lower
viscosity
_ Easy to use
_ High temp
usage
_ Difficult to
get good
quality
composites
_ Cheap
_ Easy to use
_ Popular for
general
application
at room
temperatur
e
_ High temp
application
3000C
_ Difficult to
process
_ Brittle
_ Good
damage
tolerance
_ Difficult to
process as
high temp
300-4000C
is required
_ Low shrinkage (2-
3%)
_ No release of
volatile during
curing
_ More
shrinkage
_ Release of
volatile
during
curing
_ High
shrinkage
(7-8%)
_ Can be
polymerized in
several ways
giving varieties of
structures,
morphology and
wide range of
properties
_ Inherent
stability for
thermal
oxidation
_ Good fire
and flame
retardance
_ Brittle than
epoxies
_ Good
chemical
resistance
_ Wide range
of
properties
but lower
than
epoxies
_ Brittle
_ Low Tg
_ Good storage
stability to make
prepregs
_ Less storage
stabilitydifficult
to
prepreg
_ Difficult to
prepreg
_ Infinite
storage life
but difficult
to prepreg
It is common to use composite tooling where production rates are small or moderate;
however, where large number of components is required, metallic conventional tooling is
preferred. Resin injection moulding also finds use in special components such as radomes.
Airflow over composite surfaces causes an electrostatic charge to build up and it can
occur on exterior panels and on propellers/rotor blades. When conductive paints are
used, it allows static to bleed away into the metal airframe through metal fasteners
and
by wicking, using contained wires to provide a discharge path to the air. Static build
up
can interfere with electronic equipment and, if sufficient charge builds up, it can
cause a
spark to earth when on the ground.
Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) has sufficient conductivity to deal with static
build
up without extra help. Mainly, there are two types of material, either for components
such as fairings, where the conductivity is normally required to be less than
50kOhms/square or for use on radomes or antenna covers where conductivity must
be
lower and that ensures transparency for radar and radio transmissions. In these
areas
the conductivity of the coating is usually controlled in the range of
5-100MOhms/square.
11. Conclusion
Composites are now being used and investigated for use in most areas of aircraft
production and across other innovative areas of industry for its unique properties.
Uses
of composites materials are enhancing rapidly in aerospace sector because of its
being
strong, light and corrosion resistive. Coating used in airplane is now largely
dependent
on composite and nano-composite materials. Besides, nano-structured Radar
absorbing
materials use is rising up gradually because of its intriguing properties. Apart from
these
there are many limitations for using composite materials in aerospace sectors and
many
strategies are being followed to cope up with these.The future for composite
materials in
aerospace sector is too vast. Relentless efforts of researchers have given a strong
platform for composites material to be used in this sector.