ULTRATOUGH LIGHTWEIGHT HIGH-TEMPERATURE NANOFIBERS FOR AEROSPACE COMPOSITES
Abstract
In this project, we will further develop and optimize appropriate soluble polyimides; explore and develop methods of uniform manufacturing of ultrahigh-performance polyimide nanofibers for process scale-up; develop strategies and explore polyimide nanofiber incorporation into conventional and high-temperature composites for toughening; and design, fabricate, and test a range of nanofiber-toughened aerospace composites. The proposed research builds on several recent breakthroughs and utilizes unique complimentary multidisciplinary expertise of the team members. If successful, the project will lead to advanced ultralight continuous nanofibers and ultratough high-temperature structural composites for broad uses in DoD and Air Force systems. Weight savings will be achieved through ultralow intrinsic density of nano-reinforcement and via performance-based savings and elimination of overdesign. Significant performance improvements such as improved microcracking and delamination resistance, increased fatigue and thermal cycling durability, and impact resistance are expected. Methods of controlled nanofiber fabrication to be developed and demonstrated in this project will be scalable and compatible with existing composite manufacturing techniques. New simultaneously ultrastrong and tough continuous nanofibers and composites will ensure continuing US leadership in innovations in the area of advanced fibers and lightweight structural materials and may have significant economic impact.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010149
Entities
People
- Yuris A Dzenis
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Nebraska system