OPPORTUNITY

High performance composites, such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), are key materials for the aerospace and defense industries. While progress has been made in fabrication and final product, FRP laminates are known for lacking effective structural support in the through-thickness direction (i.e. z-alignment). Notably, the polymer matrix and fiber matrix interface remains a source of weakness where limitations such as delamination, temperature degradation, difficult to join, difficult to repair, low heat dissipation, low electrical conductance, and limited lightning strike protection are present.

BREAKTHROUGH IN NANOCOMPOSITES AND FRP COMPOSITES

Researchers at the University of South Alabama have demonstrated a new transformative platform for manufacturing composites technology that enhances FRPs levels in performance, mitigates weaknesses and adds multi-functionality. This technology utilizes nanofibers to stitch through the FRP layers in the z-direction. The nanofibers stitch through-thickness of the FRP microfiber layers (such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, etc.) in the z-direction to form a superior 3D structured composite material. These z-threads in a laminate create a fiber reinforced system that improves all z-direction benefits, including, but not limited to, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The manufacturing process for this material is compatible with existing perpreg mass-production, and manufacturing techniques for complex aerospace composite parts.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

•  Allows for orientation control

•  OOA-VBO manufacturing technique

•  Wide range of microfiber systems application

•  Significant enhancements to FRP properties (e.g. electrical conductivity, delamination and strength/weight ratio)

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent Issued