Graphene’s excellent mechanical properties, coupled with its lightweight and flexibility, together with the opportunity to modify its surface chemistry to increase its affinity for different resins, make graphene the ideal additive for use in the aeronautic and marine industries.
In these applications, graphene is used in the manufacture of composite materials for a variety of components (aircraft wings and fuselages and boat hulls for example) using infusion and RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding). Graphene enhances the mechanical performance of composites, giving longer life-time expectancy and reducing maintenance.
Applynano supplies resins doped with graphene or other carbon-based nanomaterials which can be used to achieve improvements to delamination resistance of up to 60 % in materials made from carbon fibre and epoxy resin.
The excellent electrical conductivity of carbon-based nanomaterials also makes them useful in protecting aircraft against lightning strikes or to aid wing de-icing by running a current through the surface (Joule effect). Another advantage is that the reduction in the thermal expansion coefficient of resin achieved by the presence of nanomaterial reduces failure of adhesive bonds produced by temperature changes.