Improvement of Electrical Conductivity of CFRP by Nano-particles Coated Carbon Fibers for Lightning Strike Protection

초록

The improvement of electrical conductivity of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics(CFRPs) has been studied by indium-tin oxide (ITO) nano-particles coating on carbon fibers for the purpose of aircraft lightning strike protection. Electrical resistance was measured, then the measured value was converted to electrical conductivity. The results showed the electrical conductivity of 40% nano-ITO coated samples could match that of B-787 samples, which currently employs an aluminum wire-mesh embedded in outer layer of CFRP fuselage skin. The effect of nano-particles existed at the fiber-matrix interface was evaluated by tensile test to check if there is any adverse effect. The degree of damage of the 40% nano-ITO coated samples by a simulated lightning strike with 40kA impulse appeared comparable to that of B-787 samples when it was evaluated by ultrasonic C-scan images.