Metal Nanostrand Additives for Conductive Resin Systems for Aircraft Composite Structures

"Lightning strike protection for composite aircraft components is traditionally provided by application of a secondary surface process, usually consisting of a metal mesh in additional resin. These systems are difficult to apply and repair, are parasitic inweight, and are expensive. An alternate method to provide protection would be to make the composite conductive. Sufficiently conductive fibers exist, but they are still impregnated into the non-conductive resin. The objective of the proposed research isto provide a conductive resin.There is no currently available resin additive which is small enough, long enough or conductive enough for the application. This proposal will investigate the use of a new "metal nanostrand" material; strands of very high aspect ratio metal which aresmall enough to fit into the inter-fiber region of the composite, long enough to provide interconnectivity, and exhibit high conductivity. If the metal nanostrands are proven successful, they will become an integral part of conductive composite systems,thus decreasing the need for secondary lightning protection. Additional commercial uses of the metal nanostrands will include conductive paints and coatings for ESD/EMI protection of electronic components and facilities, and as an additive to createconductive plastics. The etal nanostrands will become a staple additive to paints, resins, plastics, papers, textiles, etc., as a preffered mthod to achieve ESD