Abstract: The invention relates to ferromagnetic fibre composites, particularly ferromagnetic coated fibre plies in fibre reinforced polymer composites (FRPC), more preferably to a ferromagnetic FRPC, and composites with a plurality of functionalised fibre layers. The composite structure comprising at least one ferromagnetic fibre ply, wherein said ferromagnetic fibre ply is substantially encapsulated in a binder matrix to form a fibre reinforced polymer composite, wherein said at least one ferromagnetic fibre ply comprises a fibre ply and on at least one surface of said ply comprising at least one layer of a ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: The structural health of a structure such as an aircraft is monitored by spraying a paint formulation containing a loading of carbon nanoparticles to provide a paint layer forming part of a paint system. The paint layer forms a smart skin whose electrical properties may be monitored to determine structural health.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery is disclosed having electrode and separator structures which are made up of fiber-reinforced composite material, thereby allowing the battery itself to serve as an integral structural component. The utilization or efficiency of the rechargeable battery is considerably enhanced by rendering at least part of the matrix material of the electrodes and the separator porous, thereby to facilitate improved access to active sites on the electrodes, with the porosity in the separator allowing improved ion transport, both of which enhance cell operation. The porous structure also provides improved electrolyte containment and retention in the event of damage.

Abstract: An electrical power source including at least one hollow fiber incorporated in a material structure, wherein the at least one hollow fiber forms part of an electric circuit capable of storing or generating electrical power. In this way power sources may be provided as an integral part of a fiber composite structure or fabric.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitor device is disclosed including first and second spaced apart electrode structures separated by a dielectric structure in which the first and second electrode structures are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibers in a binder matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated heat exchanger in a composite fibre reinforced polymer material, more preferably to a structural integrated heat exchanger which may be used for replacement panels. The integrated heat exchangers may comprise a solid or fluidic heat exchanger material which is able to transfer heat around the structure. The heat exchanger may be selected to transfer excess heat away from the device or transfer heat into the device. The device comprising at least one fibre ply, wherein said ply is substantially encapsulated in a binder matrix to form a fibre reinforced polymer composite, wherein said device comprises at least one elongate void which comprises at least one heat exchanging medium.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a fluidic port (8-9) for a refillable structural composite electrical energy storage device(1), and a method of producing same. The device may be a battery or supercapacitor with first and second electrodes (2,3) which are separated by a separator structure (6), wherein the device contains an electrolyte (4) which may further contain active electrochemical reagents. The fluidic port allows the addition, removal of electrolyte fluids, and venting of any outgassing by products.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a component including a supercapacitor and a method of producing same. The component comprises a first (12) and second (14) electrode and a separator structure (16) which separates the two electrodes and contains a liquid or gel electrolyte. The first and second electrode structures are each formed from a composite material (10) which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix and the supercapacitor is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component. Further, the component forms a structural capacitor. The obtained structural capacitor could be used in aircraft structure to save weight.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a Structural integrated wiring loom comprising at least one conductor comprising at least one first conductive fibre ply, wherein said at least one first conductive fibre ply comprises at least two electrical connectors, a separator structure comprising at least one first non-conductive fibre ply, and at least one second non-conductive fibre ply, said separator structure encapsulating said at least one conductor, a screen structure which encapsulates said separator structure, said screen structure comprising at least one second conductive fibre ply and at least one third conductive fibre ply, wherein said device is encapsulated a binder matrix. The device may be used to replace structural panels on a vehicle vessel or craft, to transfer electrical power or RF signals, data transmission around a composite structure.

Abstract: A detector for detecting ionizing radiation comprises a scintillator 10 selected to emit light in response to incidence thereon of radiation to be detected, at least one detector 16 for detecting said emitted light, and at least one optical waveguide 12 for transmitting said emitted light to said detector 16. The optical waveguide typically comprises a flexible solid or hollow fiber that can be incorporated into a flexible mat or into a fiber-reinforced structure, so that the detector is integrated therewith.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a structural metallic rechargeable battery and a method of producing same. The battery uses one of an acid, alkaline or Li-ion chemistry and the battery has an anode structure, a cathode structure, each of which comprise a conductive foam which contains the active electrochemical reagents, and a structural separator which separates the conductive foams of anode from the cathode respectively. The anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a metal sheet or foil.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an arrangement of protective material for dissipating the kinetic energy of a moving object including one or more layers of fibrous armour material encased within a sealed encasement, in which the sealed encasement is formed from a textile armour material which is impregnated with a polymeric substance.

Abstract: Composite structural components are disclosed that include electrically conducting fibers providing multiple signal or paths to electrical components disposed on or adjacent the material. The signal paths may therefore be embedded in the structural component as an intrinsic reinforcing element. Also disclosed are materials for making up the structure and fabrics and methods for the production thereof.

Abstract: The following invention relates to high energy capacitors with increased thermal resilience over conventional bulk ceramic capacitors, particularly capacitors that may be formed into a three dimensional shape to fit inside an existing device. The capacitor is provided with first and second electrodes which have a plurality of interlocating protrusions, which increase the relative surface area of the electrodes. The first and second electrodes and interlocating protrusions are provided with through holes. The devices are filled with a flowable dielectric material.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a component including a rechargeable battery and a method of producing same. The component uses one of an acid and an alkaline chemistry and the battery has an anode structure, a cathode structure, and a separator structure which separates the anode from the cathode and contains an electrolyte. The anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix including less than 50% w/w of an elastomer binder and the battery is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component.

Abstract: The disclosed relates to a thermoelectric device for generating electrical currents exploiting the Seebeck effect, more specifically a structural thermoelectric device which can replace a structural component of a body. The structural thermoelectric device can include a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer and located therebetween a polymer thermocouple layer having a reinforcement formed from a structural support, wherein the internal surface of the support includes at least one layer of at least one conducting polymer. The reinforcement can be is porous material with a plurality of voids, wherein the internal surfaces of the voids are coated with a conducting polymer, which is capable of providing the Peltier effect.

Abstract: The structural health of a structure such as an aircraft is monitored by spraying a paint formulation containing a loading of carbon nanoparticles to provide a paint layer forming part of a paint system. The paint layer forms a smart skin whose electrical properties may be monitored to determine structural health.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring arrangement includes a component formed of fiber reinforced composite material with a plurality of electrical conducting fibers intrinsic to the composite defining electrical paths that run through the composite. The paths act as sensing paths running through the material and a detector watches for changes in electrical property indicative of a structural event. The paths may be configured as an open or a closed node grid whose electrical continuity is monitored directly or indirectly. Alternatively they may be fibers having a piezoresistive property and the changes in resistance may be monitored.

Abstract: A component including a rechargeable battery and a method of producing such a component are disclosed. The component uses one of an acid and an alkaline chemistry and the battery has an anode structure, a cathode structure, and a separator structure which separates the anode from the cathode and contains an electrolyte. The anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix and the battery is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component.

Abstract: A bulk dielectric material can include a solid composite material having a solid matrix material and a plurality of filler elements distributed within the matrix material. The bulk dielectric material can have, at a frequency of greater than 1 MHz, (i) a permittivity with a real part of magnitude greater than 10 and an imaginary part of magnitude less than 3, and (ii) an electrical breakdown strength greater than 5 kV/mm and can have a minimum dimension greater than 2 mm.