Graphene Modified Composites for Long-term High-temperature Applications
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE SICOMP AB - RISE SICOMP AB, Piteå |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 843 906 |
| Project duration | May 2017 - February 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Strategic innovation program SIO Grafen |
Purpose and goal
A hypothesis of using graphene as a functional barrier to improve the durability of carbon fibre reinforced composite (CFRP) for high-temperature applications in aircraft engine was verified by a consortium consisting of GKN Aerospace, Waxna Graphite, RISE SICOMP and Nexam Chemical. Graphene modified high-temperature polyimide (HT-PI) prepared by solution mixing and in situ polymerization, was applied as surface protection and matrix, respectively, to CFRP. An ~11m-thick coating film containing 1 wt% graphene prevented PI oxidation at 280°C for 1000 h very efficiently.
Expected results and effects
In order to increase the use of carbon fibre reinforced composites (CFRP) in aircraft engine, GKN Aerospace, RISE SICOMP, Nexam Chemical and Woxna Graphite verified a hypothesis to use graphene to improve the durability of polyimide (PI) resin at high temperatures. Graphene modified PI film was successfully applied to CFRP by surface coating or as matrix. An ~11m-thick coating film containing 1 wt% GO prevented thermal oxidation of CFRP efficiently the weight loss was 77% less after 500 h and 60% less after 1000 h exposure in air at 280°C compared to the CFRP without coating.
Planned approach and implementation
A consortium consisting of GKN Aerospace, Waxna Graphite, RISE SICOMP and Nexam Chemical verified a hypothesis uisng graphene to improve the durability of carbon fibre reinforced composite (CFRP) for high-temperature application in aircraft engine through 5 work packages (WPs). WP1 focused on project management. WP2 characterized graphene to be used. WP 3 and 4 processed graphene modified polyimide (PI) and applied the modified resin to CFRP by surface coating or as matrix, respectively. The coating film enhanced the durability of CFRP against thermal oxidation efficiently.