Abstract:
The usage of polymeric matrix composites in aerospace applications
has been significantly prevalent based on their desired material
characteristics, which include higher strength, lower weight
and heat resistance. With current advancements in nanotechnology,
carbon nanotube reinforced polymeric matrix composites
may enhance the operational usage of these advanced materials
even further. In this study, a set of novel aerospace material candidates
are characterized based on their mechanical properties,
resilience to liquid erosion, wettability and ice adhesion. The experimental
evaluations presented, allow for a preliminary ranking
of the polymeric matrix composites and assessment of the influence
of reinforcing carbon nanotubes. The role of erosion in particular
is highlighted from both a historical viewpoint and based
on empirical results for static and dynamic wettability and ice adhesion.
Discussion of different ranking systems and fractography
arising as a consequence of liquid impact are further addressed in
this study. It is found that the candidate samples exhibit different
physical parameters but nominally similar erosion resilience
despite the presence of the reinforcing carbon nanotubes. The
wettability of the experimental materials and their ice adhesion
characteristics are further shown to be influenced by the presence
of carbon nanotubes and largely dependent upon degradation of
the material surfaces.
