Abstract: A thermally expandable and electrically conductive material capable of providing lightning strike protection and burn-through resistance, containing electrically conductive fibers; thermally expandable particles; and a curable matrix resin comprising one or more thermoset resins, wherein the electrically conductive fibers and the thermally expandable particles are embedded in the curable matrix resin.

Abstract: A curable composite material having high z-direction electrical conductivity. The curable composite material includes two or more layers of reinforcement carbon fibers that have been infused or impregnated with a curable matrix resin and an interlaminar region containing at least conductive nano-sized particles, e.g. carbon nanotubes, and a light-weight carbon veil. According to another embodiment, the interlaminar region further contains polymeric toughening particles. Methods for fabricating composite materials and structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A curable composite material that may be used in applications where both high mechanical performance and high electrical conductivity are required. The curable composite material includes two or more layers of reinforcement fibers that have been infused or impregnated with a curable matrix resin and an interlaminar region containing carbon nanomaterials, e.g. carbon nanotubes, and insoluble polymeric toughening particles. The carbon nanomaterials are significantly smaller in size as compared to the polymeric toughening particles. The polymeric toughening particles are substantially insoluble in the matrix resin upon curing of the composite material, and remain as discreet particles at the interlaminar region after curing. Methods for fabricating curable composite materials and cured composite structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the production of a composition comprising one or more conductive nano-filler(s), one or more polyarylethersulphone thermoplastic polymer(s) (A), one or more uncured thermoset resin precursor(s) (P), and optionally one or more curing agent(s) therefor, wherein said process comprises mixing or dispersing a first composition comprising one or more conductive nano-filler(s) and one or more polyarylethersulphone thermoplastic polymer(s) (A) with or into one or more uncured thermoset resin precursor(s) (P), and optionally one or more curing agent(s) therefor.