Abstract:
A method for electroless metal deposition on a surface in a finely dimensioned space (e.g. the bore of a hollow fiber) includes introducing into the space an electroless plating solution that has a nil or relatively low plating rate at normal room temperature, and thereafter heating the structure to an elevated temperature for a period sufficient to cause metal to plate on the wall surface. The introducing and heating may be repeated as necessary or desired to build up a specified thickness.
Abstract:
The structural health of a structure such as an aircraft is monitored by spraying a paint formulation containing a loading of carbon nanoparticles to provide a paint layer forming part of a paint system. The paint layer forms a smart skin whose electrical properties may be monitored to determine structural health.
Abstract:
A method for electroless metal deposition on a surface in a finely dimensioned space (e.g. the bore of a hollow fibre) includes introducing into the space an electroless plating solution that has a nil or relatively low plating rate at normal room temperature, and thereafter heating the structure to an elevated temperature for a period sufficient to cause metal to plate on the wall surface. The introducing and heating may be repeated as necessary or desired to build up a specified thickness.
Abstract:
The disclosed relates to a thermoelectric device for generating electrical currents exploiting the Seebeck effect, more specifically a structural thermoelectric device which can replace a structural component of a body. The structural thermoelectric device can include a first conductor layer, a second conductor layer and located therebetween a polymer thermocouple layer having a reinforcement formed from a structural support, wherein the internal surface of the support includes at least one layer of at least one conducting polymer. The reinforcement can be is porous material with a plurality of voids, wherein the internal surfaces of the voids are coated with a conducting polymer, which is capable of providing the Peltier effect.
Abstract:
A component including a rechargeable battery and a method of producing such a component are disclosed. The component uses one of an acid and an alkaline chemistry and the battery has an anode structure, a cathode structure, and a separator structure which separates the anode from the cathode and contains an electrolyte. The anode structure and the cathode structure are each formed from a composite material which includes electrically conductive fibres and electrochemically active material in a binder matrix and the battery is formed to be structurally inseparable from the rest of the component.
Abstract:
A bulk dielectric material can include a solid composite material having a solid matrix material and a plurality of filler elements distributed within the matrix material. The bulk dielectric material can have, at a frequency of greater than 1 MHz, (i) a permittivity with a real part of magnitude greater than 10 and an imaginary part of magnitude less than 3, and (ii) an electrical breakdown strength greater than 5 kV/mm and can have a minimum dimension greater than 2 mm.
Abstract:
This invention is concerned with means for detecting potential fracturing, such as stress fractures, or damage to, a fibre based structure, by incorporating either hollow fibres containing coloured fluids, or solid fibres, or hollow fibres containing coloured fluids or fluids, which are capable of changing their visual appearance when exposed to external forces, and/or by incorporating fibres within the structure which can change a property such as electrical resistance, capacitance or inductance so that there is an indication whenever and wherever and the extent when a fracture occurs. Where coloured fluids are used, detection is by leakage of the fluid around the fracture. Where colour changing fluids are employed, detection is by observation of change of colour of the fluid. Different fluids can be used for different levels in the strata of tubes in the structure and where these are embedded within the structure, they can be observed where the fibres emanate from the body of the structure. Where fibres are incorporated into the structure that rely on electrical properties to sense a fracture, these fibres may be solid and formed from electrically conductive material and may be coated with such material. Alternatively, though used together with solid fibres, hollow fibres may be used where those hollow fibres contain and/or are coated with electrically conductive material. Appropriate detector means are associated with these fibres to detect the occurrence of a fracture.
Abstract:
A filled hollow fibre composite material is made by laying up a plurality of prepreg plies (1) of hollow fibre composite material and non-stick film material (2) one on top of another with the non-stick film material (2) interleaving successive plies (1) at selected areas thereof. The laid up interleaved plies are treated to resin bond the ply areas (3) not interleaved with the non-stick film material and leave the interleaved areas (4) unbonded. The so formed laminate is treated at edge regions to expose open unfilled hollow fibre ends (5, 6) and the plies in the unbonded interleaved areas (4) are separated at the non-stick film material (2) to provide access to the open hollow fibre ends (7) in each ply for the introduction of a film material into the hollow fibres through the open hollow fibre ends (7) in one or more of the separated plies (1) to form a filled hollow fibre composite material.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the use of fibre composites and specifically to the use of adhesive compositions within hollow fibres of the composites to provide a repair function within the composite in the event of damage to of the fibres. The invention relates to the manner in which one-part adhesive compositions can be delivered to a point of fracture. The invention is more specifically concerned with the use of pressure to deliver adhesive composition to the point of damage.
Abstract:
Composite structural components are disclosed that include electrically conducting fibres providing signal power paths to electrical components disposed on or adjacent the material. The signal paths may therefore be embedded in the structural component. Also disclosed is a flexible or drapable fabric containing electrically conducting fibres for similar purposes, and materials for making up said structure and fabrics and methods for the production thereof.