Abstract: A connector assembly includes a connector for connecting a hollow composite shaft that has been manufactured to comprise an inwardly tapered portion towards one end of the hollow composite shaft to a collar includes an insert, a collar and a tensioner. The insert is received in the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft such that the inner surface of the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft in use will engage with the outer tapered surface of the insert and collar includes an inner tapered surface and being sized to fit over the insert and the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft. The tensioner is arranged, in use, to axially force the collar and the insert in opposite directions so as to exert a clamping force onto the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft. A method of forming the assembly is also included.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composite material comprising: a composite substrate comprising a polymeric matrix with fibre reinforcement. A surface of the composite substrate is coated with a conductive layer comprising conductive particles, preferably dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The composite substrate and the conductive layer are bonded together via polymeric crosslinking.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes composite actuator piston rods and methods for making such rods. Composite actuator piston rods of the present disclosure may include a composite actuator rod tube having a flared end, an insert, wherein the insert has a complementary shape to the flared end, a piston head concentrically surrounding the flared end of the composite actuator rod tube, and a piston head nut configured to threadingly attach to the piston head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material comprising reduced graphene oxide, wherein the degree of reduction of the graphene oxide exhibits a spatial variation so that the material exhibits a gradient in the electric conductivity and/or permittivity. The material can for example be used in an electric device for purposes of field grading and/or dissipation of charges. Examples of electric devices wherein the material is beneficial includes cable accessories, bushings, power cables, microelectronics, switchgear, etc. The invention further relates to a method of producing a material for electrical applications. The method comprises treating different parts of a graphene oxide element differently, so as to achieve a different degree of reduction of the graphene oxide within the element, resulting in a sample having a gradient in the electrical conductivity and/or permittivity.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes composite actuator piston rods and methods for making such rods. Composite actuator piston rods of the present disclosure may include a composite actuator rod tube having a flared end, an insert, wherein the insert has a complementary shape to the flared end, a piston head concentrically surrounding the flared end of the composite actuator rod tube, and a piston head nut configured to threadingly attach to the piston head.

Abstract: A method of connecting a hollow composite shaft to a collar is provided. The method comprises providing a hollow composite shaft with a tapered portion towards one end, inserting an insert into the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft by passing the insert through the hollow composite shaft from the end of the hollow shaft which is distal to the tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft, fitting a collar over the insert and tapered portion of the hollow composite shaft, and axially forcing the collar and the insert in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composite material comprising: a composite substrate comprising a polymeric matrix with fibre reinforcement. A surface of the composite substrate is coated with a conductive layer comprising conductive particles, preferably dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The composite substrate and the conductive layer are bonded together via polymeric crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material comprising reduced graphene oxide, wherein the degree of reduction of the graphene oxide exhibits a spatial variation so that the material exhibits a gradient in the electric conductivity and/or permittivity. The material can for example be used in an electric device for purposes of field grading and/or dissipation of charges. Examples of electric devices wherein the material is beneficial includes cable accessories, bushings, power cables, microelectronics, switchgear, etc. The invention further relates to a method of producing a material for electrical applications. The method comprises treating different parts of a graphene oxide element differently, so as to achieve a different degree of reduction of the graphene oxide within the element, resulting in a sample having a gradient in the electrical conductivity and/or permittivity.