| Customer: ESA/ESTEC (2007 – 2009) | |
 | In this study the material of interest is a "skeleton" or also called "CNT Network" out of carbon nanotubes, infiltrated with a polymer matrix, a ceramic matrix or a metal matrix. The skeleton can be a kind of "bucky paper" up to a block with more than 10mm thickness. |
The objectives of the present study are the following:
- To determine which space applications would greatly benefit from the use of highly loaded CNT composite system candidates and select the most interesting material / application couples.
- To develop a sound route for manufacturing CNT network to be used later on as composite preform,
- To measure the features of the developed CNT network including some of its physical and mechanical properties,
- To develop technologies to infiltrate the CNT network with matrices selected to comply with the requirements of targeted applications,
- To characterise the CNT reinforced composite materials according to the targeted applications.
- To define and build demonstrators to prove the soundness of the technology development.
Subcontractor concerning the development of the CNT skeleton is FutureCarbon in Bayreuth. Other main subcontractors are from Austria (ARC, ELECTROVAK), Portugal (INEGI, PIEP), Greece (University of Patras) and Germany (ASTRIUM)
Main identified possible applications are:
- Gas sensors
- Heat sinks
- Tribomaterials
- Hot structures
- UHT leading edges
- Hot hinges: Self lubricating ceramics
- Bonding films
- Heat sinks for microwave generators
- Mechanika Damping
- ULW solar generator panels