Carbon nanotube fiber-reinforced composite structures for EM and lightning strike protection

Abstract

A method for repairing fiber-reinforced composite structures while maintaining original EM and lightning protection using carbon nanotubes, fibers, and thermoset resins is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises preparing a damaged area for repair; preparing a repair patch for the damaged area, the repair patch comprising nanotubes; applying the repair patch to the damaged area; and curing the repair patch. A repair patch for a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair patch includes a binder and nanotubes. A repair resin for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair layer includes a resin and nanotubes. A putty for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the putty includes a base and electrically conductive carbon nanotubes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.