Nanopow(d)er: Clay improves the mechanical properties of fibre composites

Lighter, stronger, and best of all, cheaper these are the basic requirements for the development of new high-tech aircraft construction materials. Following the success of the composite material GLARE, Delft University of Technology is again scoring with the development of a new composite material. Polymer technologists at the Department of Chemical Technology have discovered that the combination of nanoparticles with Nylon (polyamide 6) forms the ideal matrix for fibre-reinforced composites. The addition of nanometre-size clay particles (platelets) can make the material up to five times stiffer while enabling it to be used at much higher temperatures as well. Compression strength, up to now the Achilles heel of standard fibre-reinforced composites, can be improved by as much as 40? by adding nanoclay. Until now polyamides susceptibility to moisture restricted its application in composites, but thanks to the use of nanoparticles a whole new range of applications emerges. The first steps have already been taken in cooperation with the composites group of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Soon the Eaglet, a test aircraft used by the faculty, will make its first test flight fitted with a tail fin rudder made of fibre-reinforced nanocomposite.Applied Science