Thermally Conductive Multifunctional 3D-Textile Reinforced Composites

Sammanfattning

In recent decades the use of composite materials is seeing a significant increase with most commercial aero engines nowadays incorporating some composite components. These parts in particular are commonly manufactured using carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs). In order to further advance the use case of composites, GKN Aerospace Sweden AB has launched a project focusing on the use of 3D-textile preforms with multifunctionality. Two dry textile preforms reinforced with carbon fibre and electrically conductive filaments were obtained from Fureho AB. These preforms were infused using resin transfer moulding (RTM), with satisfactory quality. Areas of improvements coupled to the manufacturing method are identified and discussed in the report. The resistance heating tests show that the plates resistance heat generation capability is unsatisfactory. This is likely due to short circuits in the plates electrical circuits. The results do show potential but with a need of refinement to the distribution, quantity and length of the electrical conductive filament (ECF). The final part of the project covers mechanical testing and characterisation. The results indicate a decrease in overall stiffness in comparison to a material without the conductive filament which is expected as the addition of the conductive filament it requires the removal of carbon fibre yarns. Considering the potential of added multifunctionality this decrease in stiffness is seen as a reasonable trade-off.