A Hybrid Multifunctional Composite Material by Co-curing Lay-up Process for Enhanced Thermal/Chemical Stability and Surface Durability
Abstract
A Hybrid Multifunctional Composite Material by Co-curing Lay-up Processfor Enhanced Thermal/Chemical Stability and Surface Durability1. Technical Approach and JustificationThis proposal is to develop a hybrid, multifunctional composite material that is an improvement upon thethermal and chemical stability, and surface durability of traditional polymer composites. Such hybridmultifunctional composite materials can be applied in higher temperature and harsher environment thancurrent typical polymer based composites, and can be utilized especially in naval and marine parts forenhanced strength and durability (salty and high moisture environment).By using a standard co-curing lay-up process, in which a flexible conductive ceramic thin layer (explained inSection 2 in our preliminary results) is bonded directly onto the outmost layer of polymer composites toensure the material integrity, a new, effective and useful composite will be manufactured following the sameprocedure as standard carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The basic manufacturing steps tomake such a hybrid multifunctional composite material are listed as:(1) spray release agent on the tooling surface;(2) apply the flexible thermally-conductive ceramic composite layer on the tooling surface over releaseagent;(3) prepreg multiple layers of carbon fiber sheets over the flexible ceramic composite layer;(4) co-cure the hybrid composite using the standard autoclave method.In this way, a hybrid multifunctional composite material is created where the ceramic composite comprisesthe exterior layer of the material, for enhanced thermal/chemical stability and surface durability. Localenvironmental impacts (e.g., corrosive fluid and heat flow) will be quickly dissipated to surrounding areaalong the ceramic composite surface instead of penetrating or burning deeper inside the CFRP composite.2. Preliminary Results on Flexible Conductive Ceramic Thin FilmThrough the previous funded research, by an ONR-YIP award (~Multifunctional Ceramic NanocompositesReinforced with a High Volume Fraction of Well-Dispersed and Aligned Carbon Nanotubes~ #N00014-14-1-0543, supported by Mr. William Nickerson at Office of Naval Research), we are able to fabricate of a newclass of multifunctional ceramic thin film composites which exhibit a high strength (536 MPa), flexibility,good thermal/electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and surviving in high temperature (>1000oC).3. Technical PlanThe proposed research project will accomplish the following tasks:~ Task 1: Prepare the flexible ceramic thin film and hybrid multifunctional composites~ Task 2: Characterize the microstructure and measure properties at room temperature~ Task 3: Investigate the effect of static high temperature and corrosion condition on material property~ Task 4: Study the combined effect of dynamic high temperature and high speed flow pressure onmaterial property4. PI QualificationDr. Cheryl Xu is currently an Associate Professor at the Florida State University in Tallahassee,Florida. She received her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 2006. Her researchinterests include advanced multifunctional ceramic materials, and high temperature sensor design. Dr. Xuwon the Office of Naval Research (ONR) Young Investigator Award and the Society of ManufacturingEngineering (SME) Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer (OYME) Award in 2011.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712032
Entities
People
- Chengying Xu
Organizations
- Florida State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy