Grafenmodifierade kompositer för långtids- och högtemperaturapplikationer II

Purpose and goal

This project aims to generate high-performance CFRP based on HT-PI resin by using graphene as an efficient diffusion barrier for enhanced durability at high operation temperatures and aerobic condition. Mechanical properties of CFRP with and without the modification of graphene after 500 h and 1000 h oxidation at 320°C were measured and compared. 87% of the properties of the CFRP can be preserved, while without graphene the CFRP lost nearly 85% of its properties after 1000 h. Dynamic simulation was carried out, the modelled kinetic performance fit well the experimental results.

Expected results and effects

Graphene was integrated into the HT-PI based CFRP by two means as surface protection layer and as matrix modifier, respectively. The CFRPs with and without graphene were manufactured with same process. Mechanical properties were measured in a same way after oxidation at 320°C for 500 h and 1000 h. An extremely low graphene loading contraction in the CFRP, e.g., ~3x10-6 g/cm2 coating on the CFRP surface, and 0.5 wt% in the matrix which is ~45 vol% of the CFRP, led to 65% and 87% preservation of mechanical properties of the CFRP, respectively, after 1000 h oxidation at 320°C.

Planned approach and implementation

A consortium consisting of GKN Aerospace, Waxna Graphite, RISE SICOMP and Nexam Chemical continued to develop the technology proposed in a hypothesis test, which is to use graphene to improve the durability of CFRP for high-temperature application. Materials and process development, dynamic simulation, nano-safety, and dissemination, were successfully carried out according to plan. More than 80% of mechanical properties of the CFRP can be preserved after 1000 h oxidation at 320°C with low graphene concentration, while without graphene the CFRP lost nearly 85% of its properties.