Carbonfibre-composite structures could be made stronger by weaving them and including aluminium or titanium thread, say researchers at the UK’s University of Sheffield. The structure would be manufactured using textile processes to weave carbonfibre and metal threads together in all three axes with three-dimensional weaving technology.
Woven structures are expected to have greater impact resistance and tensile strength. “We want to get three or four companies interested, to join us in developing this technology. The textiles industry needs to move from a mindset of high-volume, low-cost products to low-batch, high-cost products,” says Keith Ridgway, research director and aerospace professor at the university’s Boeing Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, where the research began in March.
Source: Flight International
