Investigation of electrical and electromagnetic properties of quartz fiber reinforced polymer composite material by using modified paints with carbon nanoparticles (graphene/double-walled carbon nanotube)

Abstract

Composite materials have many features to contribute to aircraft design but have low electrical conductivity. In this study, it is aimed to increase the electrical conductivity of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) composites used in different parts of the aircraft. The modified nanoparticles were added into the aircraft paint and applied on the composites used in the radome part of the aircraft, and it is aimed to either increase or keep the electromagnetic permeability stable. Firstly, the surfaces of the FRP composite samples were painted by Graphene and Double-Walled Carbon Nanotube (DWCNT) to reinforce the conductive nanoparticles at different ratios. Resistance measurements of the samples were made according to the Airbus “Electrical Surface Resistance Measurement” procedure and their electrical conductivity was calculated. The Non-Contact Measurement Method test setup was used to obtain information about the electromagnetic properties of the samples. As a result of the measurements, N3 (σ = 4.37x10⁻⁴ S/m, S₂₁ = −15.81 dB) sample conforms the best with the objectives of ourstudy compared to electrical conductivity (N0, σ = 4.83x10⁻⁵ S/m) and electromagnetic permeability (N0, S₂₁ = −15.83 dB) of the reference sample. The contact angle measurements were taken to determine the contact angle changes depending on the surface morphology and conductivity changes of the samples painted with different and varying amounts of nanoparticle doped paint. Additionally, measurements were taken with the FTIR-ATR instrument to make surface analysis of the samples.