Abstract: A method of treating a buffered optical fiber or jacketed cable having a relatively low surface energy, e.g., fibers or cables that meet low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) standards, so they can be bonded to a supporting substrate at a customer premises by a water soluble, non-flammable adhesive. One or more burners produce a flame that treats the surface of the fiber or cable by oxidizing the surface as the fiber or cable moves past the burners. The surface energy increases enough for the adhesive to wet the surface so that, when cured, the adhesive bonds the fiber or cable to the supporting substrate. In another embodiment, a blown-ion discharge is directed at a determined rate over the surface of the fiber or cable, thereby treating the surface by removing contamination and micro-etching, and increasing the surface energy enough for the adhesive to wet the surface.

Abstract: Surface films, paints, or primers can be used in preparing aircraft structural composites that may be exposed to lightning strikes. Methods for making and using these films, paints or primers are also disclosed. The surface film can include a thermoset resin or polymer, e.g., an epoxy resin and/or a thermoplastic polymer, which can be cured, bonded, or painted on the composite structure. Low-density electrically conductive materials are disclosed, such as carbon nanofiber, copper powder, metal coated microspheres, metal-coated carbon nanotubes, single wall carbon nanotubes, graphite nanoplatelets and the like, that can be uniformly dispersed throughout or on the film. Low density conductive materials can include metal screens, optionally in combination with carbon nanofibers.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the strength and stiffness of fibers, including nanoreinforced fibers and fiber tows, composite materials including the nanoreinforced fibers and tows, and articles of manufacture including the composite materials, are disclosed. The methods involve adhering random or aligned nanoreinforcement materials, such as carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, graphene plates, nanowires, nanoparticles, into or onto a spread carbon tow or yarn to form modified fibers wherein nanoreinforcement is adhered or trapped within the carbon tow. The carbon nanotubes or nanofibers can be aligned. Carbon fiber tows including the modified carbon fibers can be processed or woven for impregnation with a thermoset resin or thermoplastic to form a composite structure. The performance increase of the modified fibers relative to the unmodified fibers can be greater than the weight increase caused by the modification. Increased fiber stiffness and strength can result in a significant weight saving.

Abstract: This invention is directed to nacelles and nacelle components for use in aircraft engines. The nacelles and components comprise composite material containing carbon fiber. The carbon fiber comprises from 0.1 to 20 percent by weight nanoreinforcement material.

Abstract: Surface films, paints, or primers can be used in preparing aircraft structural composites that may be exposed to lightning strikes. Methods for making and using these films, paints or primers are also disclosed. The surface film can include a thermoset resin or polymer, e.g., an epoxy resin and/or a thermoplastic polymer, which can be cured, bonded, or painted on the composite structure. Low-density electrically conductive materials are disclosed, such as carbon nanofiber, copper powder, metal coated microspheres, metal-coated carbon nanotubes, single wall carbon nanotubes, graphite nanoplatelets and the like, that can be uniformly dispersed throughout or on the film. Low density conductive materials can include metal screens, optionally in combination with carbon nanofibers.

Abstract: This invention is directed to nacelles and nacelle components for use in aircraft engines. The nacelles and components comprise composite material containing carbon fiber. The carbon fiber comprises from 0.1 to 20 percent by weight nanoreinforcement material.