Currently, CFRP materials are often used in space missions, but due to the water absorption of the material, its application is limited. Because CFRP material out-gassing during service, it is easy to cause the material to expand and affect the stability and integrity of the structure. Engineers try to minimize the impact of CFRP through long and expensive procedures such as drying, recalibration, and multiple baking, but these cannot completely solve the problem.
In a paper published in the journal Natural Materials, scientists and engineers from the University of Surrey and Airbus National Defense and Space Agency detailed a mechanically coupled multilayer nano-barrier reinforced carbon fiber composite material (BECFRP ), Can significantly reduce the diffusion rate of water and eliminate the release of volatile organic compounds. The prepared reinforced composite material (BECFRP) has mechanical integrity and strength superior to that of basic CFRP composite materials. The reinforced composite material using this nano-barrier can be kept dry without repeated baking or storage under special conditions.
Studies have shown that compared to traditional coatings with a thickness of tens of microns, the thickness of the new nano-barrier is only sub-micron, which is light and thin and is less sensitive to surface stress and pollution. .
Christian Wilhelmi, head of the mechanical subsystem and research technology department of Airbus Defense and Aerospace, said: "Our spacecraft and instrument structure have been using carbon fiber reinforced composite materials for many years. The newly developed nano-barriers and the high height of Airbus Combining the manufacturing capacity of modulus CFRP will help us to develop the next generation of non-permeable CFRP materials with greater dimensional stability. We are confident to apply this milestone research results to the spacecraft optical device field and Increase payload support. "
Professor David Sampson, deputy dean of research and innovation at the University of Surrey, said: "This research project continues the long-term close cooperation between the University of Surrey and Airbus. We have worked hard in the field of advanced materials for aerospace for decades. Aerospace technology support. I look forward to more brilliant achievements in the cooperation between the University of Surrey and Airbus in the coming years. "