High performance composites research at NASA-LangleyBarriers to the more extensive use of advanced composites in heavily loaded structures on commercial transports are discussed from a materials viewpoint. NASA Langley matrix development activities designed to overcome these barriers are presented. These include the synthesis of processable, tough, durable matrices, the development of resin-property/composite-property relationships which help guide the synthesis program, and the exploitation of new processing technology to effectively combine reinforcement filaments with polymer matrices. Examples of five classes of polymers being investigated as matrix resins at NASA Langley are presented, including amorphous and semicrystalline thermoplastics, lightly crosslinked thermoplastics, semiinterpenetrating networks, and toughened thermosets. Relationships between neat resin modulus, resin fracture energy, interlaminar fracture energy, composite compression strength, and postimpact compression strength are shown. Powder and slurry processing techniques are discussed.
Document ID
19880064587
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Saint Clair, Terry L. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Johnston, Norman J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Baucom, Robert M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Report/Patent Number
SAE PAPER 880110
Meeting Information
Meeting: Polymer composites for automotive applications