Australian materials company, Quickstep Holdings is collaborating in a European program to study the use of nanotechnology in enhancing the properties of composites deployed in the transportation sector. The project is being undertaken by the company’s German subsidiary, Quickstep.
It will research the introduction of carbon nanotubes into host composites that could enhance properties such as electrical conductivity and inter-laminar strength, which is a problem in the aerospace sector. Aircraft should be protected against electromagnetic interference and lightning, but due to the low conductivity of conventional carbon fiber materials, composite aerospace parts should be covered by a metallic net. This makes the aircraft heavier without adding to the structure. Carbon nanotubes enhance electrical conductivity of composites, thereby leading to reduction or removing the metallic mesh.The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.Learn more from Quickstep.
