New horizons of Space Qualification of Single-Walled Carbon Nano Tubes-Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite

The requirement of lightweight components for interplanetary missions explore the possibilities of the application of composite materials. Carbon Fibre Reinforced polymers (CFRP) are most practical and widely used in space industries. Enhancement of mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties by reinforcing CFRP with Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) is advantageous, considering the potential applications of such a modified CFRP material in space payload. CNT composites for space use opens new horizons to improve specific stiffness and electrical conductivity of the CFRP components without degrading the performance index. Composite characterization and space qualification are critical and essential, which demonstrate the capability of fulfilling functional as well as specific requirements for space. CNT Composites have to undergo severe environmental tests without degradation. This paper addresses the synthesis of CNT-CFRP composites, its Characterisation and Space Qualification aspects. Synthesis of CNT-CFRP sample with single-walled CNT (Ø1.6µm & L>5µm) 0.5%wt by solution mixing method is attempted. The characterization in terms of measurement of tensile strength, electrical resistivity, shielding effectiveness, thermal conductivity, Co-efficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is carried out. Limited Space qualification on samples and electroplated coupons has been carried out by conducting various environmental tests. The results indicate that CNT reinforced CFRP composites are a promising potential candidate for use in the space domain. (paper)