A brief review of modified conductive carbon/glass fibre reinforced composites for structural applications: Lightning strike protection, electromagnetic shielding, and strain sensing

Multi-functional fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates are the requirements of advanced aircraft structures. FRP laminates are the primary design to carry structural loads. However, improved/high electrically conductive FRP laminates can further use for multiple non-structural functions, including the lightning strike protection (LSP), self-sensing strain and damage sensor, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and other future opportunities like signal communication, non-destructive inspection (NDI), actuation of structures. This review article discussed the various research articles that modify and improve the FRP laminates' electrical conductivity for non-structural applications like lightning strike protection (LSP), EMI shielding, and strain/damage sensing. Different approaches like metal tufting/stitching, conductive resin, coating, and interleaves are discussed for LSP, whereas conductive resin, interleaves, and coating techniques were discussed for EMI shielding and strain/damage sensing. These approaches have their advantages and challenges, influencing the large-scale fabrication of the resulting composites. Therefore, it is crucial to understand these materials' properties and fabrication processes for further development. For LSP developments, it is summarized that metal-tufting and PANI-based conductive resin can sufficiently resist lightning damage at high peak current. Additionally, PANI-based resin has proven theirs performs well in strain sensing and EMI shielding.

Automated summary

The review article discussed how modifying and improving the electrical conductivity of FRP laminates can be used for non-structural applications such as lightning strike protection, EMI shielding, and strain/damage sensing. Different techniques like metal tufting/stitching, conductive resin, coating, and interleaves were discussed for these applications. Metal-tufting and PANI-based conductive resin were found to be effective in resisting lightning damage and performing well in strain sensing and EMI shielding.