Multi-Functional Nanotechnology Integration For Aeronautical Structures Performance Enhancement

The application of composite materials is becoming widespread in the aviation sector, thanks to several well-known benefits they offer compared to classic metal alloys. For this reason, many aircraft both for general aviation and very light class, are entirely made of laminates or however many of their structural components, primary ones too. In the current aerospace research scenario, several international projects, which see strong partnerships among universities, research centers and industrial companies, are aiming to achieve highly advanced performances. The orthotropic materials, for their physical constitution, allow to be readily modified with extra upgrading treatments, during the lay-up manufacturing phase. In this paper, the latest targets accomplished by the authors on the design and testing of laminates, handled with biomimetic treatments are discussed: a brief review on self-healing and carbon nanotubes fillers for aeronautical composite applications are herein presented. Experimental-numerical activities outlined a remarkable improving contribution of such technologies on the structural properties of CFRC specimens, stimulating the scientific attention on these smart materials development. Improved static stiffness characteristics and vibrations damping as well as upgraded electrical conductivity, and self-repairing capabilities are actually the goals successfully achieved by the research team. The results achieved during these studies have found that an innovative multi-functional product can be made, integrating suitably the properties of different nano-elements.