Electrospun Veil for Printed Functionalities in Composite Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for integrating functionalities into composite structures, such as sensors and printed circuits, often compromise the mechanical integrity of the composite, particularly the interlaminar shear strength, leading to delamination and other failures, which is critical in sectors like aeronautics where structural integrity is paramount.
Innovation Solution
A laminated composite structure is developed using an electrospun veil with a printed functionality, allowing for fine-line printing and maintaining the physical properties of the composite, such as weight and tensile strength, through the integration of woven fabrics and electrospun veils with a nominal weight between 2 and 10 g/m², enabling flexible and stretchable applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods are used to integrate sensors and printed circuits into composite structures, then functionalities are added to the composite, but the mechanical integrity and interlaminar shear strength are compromised, leading to delamination
Solution Approach 1:
An electrospun veil is introduced as an intermediary layer between the printed circuit/sensor and the composite laminate. This veil acts as a mediator that allows functional integration while maintaining structural integrity, preventing delamination by providing a compatible interface between the functional elements and the composite layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrospun veil functions as a thin film structure that integrates functionalities without significantly adding weight or volume. The veil's thin-film nature allows it to conform to the composite structure while providing the necessary functional pathways for sensors and circuits, maintaining the composite's mechanical properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If embedded objects are added to composite structures for functionality, then sensing and electronic capabilities are enhanced, but the objects act as blockers during resin infiltration, generating dry spots
Solution Approach 1:
The electrospun veil possesses a porous structure that allows resin to infiltrate through it effectively. This porosity enables the resin to reach all layers of the composite during infiltration processes, preventing dry spots while still supporting the integrated sensors and circuits on its surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional parts are embedded during laminating process, then multifunctionality is achieved, but the design complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functional elements (sensors, circuits) are segmented and integrated onto the electrospun veil separately, which is then incorporated into the composite laminate. This segmentation allows functional components to be prepared independently using printed electronics techniques, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving multifunctionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively embeds functionalities like conductive tracks and sensors within the composite without compromising its mechanical integrity, allowing for the creation of lightweight, flexible, and intelligent composite structures suitable for various sectors including transport, energy, and textiles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrospun veil having a printed functionality
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a laminated composite structure, the composite structure comprising a stack of at least one layer of a woven fabric and at least one first electrospun veil having a printed functionality on the surface of said veil; wherein the at least one first electrospun veil has a nominal weight between 2 and 10 g/m2. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing the laminated composite structure of the invention, a laminated composite structure obtainable by the method of the invention, and to the use of the laminated composite structure of the invention in transport, energy and textile sectors.