Multifunctional composites

Multifunctional composites include all composites which provide more than one property, or functionality, whether specifically designed or modified from existing designs. Although traditional polymer matrix composites have many useful properties including stiffness, strength, and durability, these often involve tradeoffs such as poor acoustic damping and low electrical conductivity. By designing multifunctional composites, new and enhanced functionalities can complement the typical high-stiffness and high-strength densities of composites. Furthermore, multifunctional composites can feature entirely original functionalities, such as self-healing and microvascular transport, which do not exist in classical composites.Among the shortcomings of traditional composites are lower conductivity and higher contact resistance than aluminum. This complicates efforts to provide aircraft with shielding, grounding, and protection from lighting strikes. Laminated composites are also susceptible to damage when subjected to low velocity impact, resulting in reduced compression-after-impact (CAI) strengthhttp://catalogo.up.pt/F/?func=direct&doc_number=000581398