Analysis of structural composites processed using CNT and bio resin to aeronautical applications

This work makes a systematic study of the thermal behavior involving the thermosetting matrix (furfuryl alcohol resin) and carbon nanotubes when considering the processing of thermoset composites by hot compression molding. A comparative study was performed between the composites traditionally used in aerospace, phenolic resin and carbon fiber, and, bio resin with carbon fibers. The furfuryl alcohol resin is a furans class polymer, which has gained importance because it is obtained from renewable agricultural sources, replacing fossil raw materials, which has been progressively depleted. The use of CNT as a structural reinforcement in polymer composites showed excellent results in recent years, always worrying about the interfacial interaction between carbon nanotubes and the polymer matrix. In addition, carbon fiber, more than any other fibrous reinforcement, has been widely used for the development of advanced polymer composites as structural engineering materials. With analyzes of DCB (Interlaminar fracture toughness test) and TMA (Thermomechanical analysis), substitution of the phenolic resin with the furfuryl alcohol resin can be considered valid.