Multifunctional graphene-enhanced thermoplastics for aerospace applications

Purpose and goal

The goal of the project was to develop new graphene-reinforced thermoplastics for improved electrical and mechanical properties. During the project, we have been able to show that by adding graphene and its derivatives, you can increase the electrical conductivity and influence the mechanical properties in a positive direction by creating layer-on-layer structures or by dispersing the nanostructures in both thermoplastics and epoxy-based materials.

Expected results and effects

Addition of graphene and graphene derivatives to thermoplastics of various types and to epoxy shows that the electrical conductivity can be increased tenfold while the mechanical properties are improved. This enables new applications for the materials where 3D printing is a highly interesting process for application in aviation. The project has also included the development of models to predict the electrical and mechanical properties of the material after the addition of nanostructures. This provides the opportunity to predict properties and reduce lead time.

Planned approach and implementation

The work was carried out in collaboration between the Swedish parties Saab, LiU, Chalmers and 2DFab and the Brazilian party UFABC. The project was structured so that each work package and each party could develop their work separately but in a productive collaboration with other parties. The work also included exchange between the various parties where an Post-Doc from UFABC carried out research on Linköpings Universitet for a year. In addition to this, digital meetings and workshops as well as physical meetings were held on site.