The aim of this proposal was to develop hybrid epoxy resin composites, where both the matrix and the carbon fibre reinforcement contains nanoparticles, in order to improve the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the carbon fibre reinforced aeronautical structures.

The dispersion of the selected nanoparticles in epoxy resin matrix was carried out by a three step masterbatch technique, resulting in low viscosity, evenly dispersed CNT filled epoxy resin systems ready for industrial size use. Rheological, morphological and spectroscopic (Raman, FTIR) characterization of the loaded materials was carried out.

Polymer nano/microfibers loaded with CNT and other nanoparticles, which serve as precursors for carbon fibres, were produced by electrospinning method from PAN/DMF solution of CNTs. Optimal parameters for the graphitization of these yarns were determined.

Parallelly arranged CNT reinforced nanofibrous yarns were carbonized and consequently infiltrated by the CNT filled matrix mixed with the curing agent. The final outcome was a tape consisting of an epoxy/CNT hybrid matrix and quasi-unidirectional carbon nanofibre/CNT yarn hybrid reinforcement.

Thermal and electrical conductivity of the prepared laminate samples were determined according to standard methods in the function of dispersion method and nanoparticles loading. Laminate samples were evaluated against conducted lightning current pulses.

Static (tensile, bending, interlaminar shear strength properties), dynamic (instrumented Charpy impact, instrumented falling weight impact, dynamic interlaminar properties) and fatigue testing of the composites was carried out.

After testing the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of composites, the industrial applicability of the developed electrospinning and graphitization methods and prepreg tape product were studied.