Articles and Methods for Manufacture of Nanostructure Reinforced Composites

摘要

An article includes a hybrid nanocomposite product, which includes a nanostructure array and a resin matrix contained among and/or around the nanostructure array. The array/matrix is placed in between layers of dry or resin-infused fiber composite to permit formation of a composite structure. The nanostructure array and/or the resin matrix may be disposed in an abutting relationship with other layers of a composite. The array/matrix can provide reinforcement of the composite in the z-direction. Transfer of resin into dry fiber forms may be provided when the array/matrix acts as a resin transfer medium. Nanostructure arrays with a resin matrix can be prepared to form a resin film product. Methods are presented for infusing composites via resin-transfer molding (RTM), vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), resin film infusion (RFI), or injection molding wherein a resin matrix film substantially maintains alignment and position of the nanostructure array during the infusion process.

主权项

1. An article, comprising:
a nanostructure array with a long axes of the nanostructures being substantially aligned relative to each other from top to bottom; and a resin matrix contained among, interior to the nanostructures themselves and/or around the nanostructure array, the resin matrix being configured to maintain the position and alignment of the nanostructures relative to each other.