High-Performance Bio-Based Multifunctional Composites with Integrated SHM for Aerospace Applications
High-Performance Bio-Based Multifunctional Composites with Integrated SHM for Aerospace Applications
Tuesday, June 2, 2026: 3:30 PM
Coral Ballroom C (Hilton West Palm Beach)
The development of multifunctional composite materials that combine structural
performance with intrinsic sensing capabilities is a strategic priority for the aerospace
industry, where structural health monitoring (SHM) plays a key role in improving safety,
reliability, and maintenance efficiency. In parallel, there is growing interest in the use of
alternative raw materials partially derived from bio-based sources to reduce dependence
on petroleum-based chemicals, particularly diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), which
has been reported as toxic and potentially harmful to human health.
This work presents a new class of sustainable multifunctional composites based on bioderived resveratrol epoxy matrices reinforced with conductive networks formed by recycled
carbon fibers (rCFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), specifically designed for SHM-enabled
aeronautical applications. The rCFs are obtained from end-of-life aerospace composites
and expired prepreg products through a previously optimized mechanical recycling
process. Their incorporation enables the formation of conductive pathways, providing
electrical conductivity, load transfer capability, and enhanced sustainability through
material upcycling. CNTs are introduced as nanoscale conductive bridges, promoting
electrical percolation, strain sensitivity, and damage localization.
The distinct nature and scale of the two carbon-based reinforcements lead to different
percolation thresholds and sensing responses, allowing tuning of the SHM performance
depending on the reinforcement strategy. Additionally, the resveratrol-based epoxy matrix
demonstrates excellent potential for advanced composite applications. Despite its natural
origin, the resin exhibits thermomechanical properties comparable to, or exceeding, those
of conventional aerospace-grade epoxies, achieving exceptionally high glass transition
temperatures that may enable in-service operation close to the resin degradation limit.
From a technological and industrial perspective, this research highlights how sustainable
material design, combining recycled reinforcements, nanotechnology, and bio-based
polymers; can deliver high-value multifunctional composites for next-generation
aeronautical structures. The proposed approach offers a scalable pathway toward smart,
lightweight, and environmentally responsible aerospace materials with integrated SHM
functionality.
performance with intrinsic sensing capabilities is a strategic priority for the aerospace
industry, where structural health monitoring (SHM) plays a key role in improving safety,
reliability, and maintenance efficiency. In parallel, there is growing interest in the use of
alternative raw materials partially derived from bio-based sources to reduce dependence
on petroleum-based chemicals, particularly diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), which
has been reported as toxic and potentially harmful to human health.
This work presents a new class of sustainable multifunctional composites based on bioderived resveratrol epoxy matrices reinforced with conductive networks formed by recycled
carbon fibers (rCFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), specifically designed for SHM-enabled
aeronautical applications. The rCFs are obtained from end-of-life aerospace composites
and expired prepreg products through a previously optimized mechanical recycling
process. Their incorporation enables the formation of conductive pathways, providing
electrical conductivity, load transfer capability, and enhanced sustainability through
material upcycling. CNTs are introduced as nanoscale conductive bridges, promoting
electrical percolation, strain sensitivity, and damage localization.
The distinct nature and scale of the two carbon-based reinforcements lead to different
percolation thresholds and sensing responses, allowing tuning of the SHM performance
depending on the reinforcement strategy. Additionally, the resveratrol-based epoxy matrix
demonstrates excellent potential for advanced composite applications. Despite its natural
origin, the resin exhibits thermomechanical properties comparable to, or exceeding, those
of conventional aerospace-grade epoxies, achieving exceptionally high glass transition
temperatures that may enable in-service operation close to the resin degradation limit.
From a technological and industrial perspective, this research highlights how sustainable
material design, combining recycled reinforcements, nanotechnology, and bio-based
polymers; can deliver high-value multifunctional composites for next-generation
aeronautical structures. The proposed approach offers a scalable pathway toward smart,
lightweight, and environmentally responsible aerospace materials with integrated SHM
functionality.