Aerospace - Page 10

Researchers from the Lodz University of Technology in Poland have designed a transparent, flexible cryogenic temperature sensor with graphene structures as sensing elements. Such sensors could be useful for any field that requires operating in low-temperatures, such as medical diagnostics, space exploration and aviation, processing and storage of food and scientific research.

The sensors were repeatedly cooled from room temperature to cryogenic temperature. Graphene structures were characterized using Raman spectroscopy. The observation of the resistance changes as a function of temperature indicates the potential use of graphene in the construction of temperature sensors. The temperature characteristics of the analyzed graphene sensors exhibit no clear anomalies or strong non-linearity in the entire studied temperature range (as compared to the typical carbon sensor).

Researchers at MIT have designed a strong and lightweight material, by compressing and fusing flakes of graphene. The new material, a sponge-like configuration with a density of just 5%, can have a strength 10 times that of steel. This work could pose an interesting way of transforming graphene into useful 3D objects and items.

The team developed the product by using a combination of both heat and pressure, compressing and fusing the flakes of graphene together. This process produced a strong, stable structure whose form resembles that of some corals and microscopic creatures called diatoms. These shapes, which have an enormous surface area in proportion to their volume, proved to be remarkably strong.

Versarien announced an agreement with Fern Plastic Products to manufacture injection moulded products using graphene-enhanced polyaryletherketone (PAEK) materials. The agreement with Fern Plastics follows the agreement with Scafell Organics announced earlier this month.

The plan is for Versarien to utilize Fern Plastics' manufacturing facilities and expertise to produce injection moulded products using graphene-enhanced PAEK materials produced through Versarien's collaboration with Scafell.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has reportedly awarded a $1.3 million grant to a team from the University of Central Florida (UCF) to fund the development of a graphene-enhanced next-generation infrared detector that could be used in fields like night vision, meteorology, and space exploration.

The UCF team is working on an entirely new type of detector that relies on graphene. The researchers plan to use graphene to make an infrared detector that is small, portable, doesn't need to be cooled, and produces high-resolution images. Unlike current technologies, which can detect only one band of light, the next-gen detector would be tunable and able to see a range of bands.

Versarien, the advanced materials group, has signed an agreement with polymer chemical producer Scafell Organics to develop graphene-enhanced polyaryletherketone materials (PAEKs). These materials are a family of semi-crystalline thermoplastics with high-temperature stability and high mechanical strength, used in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Versarien reportedly plans to utilize Scafell’s facilities and production expertise to produce graphene enhanced PAEK materials using Versarien supplied graphene nano platelets. It is hoped that these graphene enhanced materials will be available for sale by Versarien through its sales team as well as Scafell’s customers.

Graphene 3D Lab recently announced that it has developed an innovative graphene composite material that was given the trade name "G6-ImpactTM", intended for users in the automotive, robotics, drone, aerospace industries and military sectors. G3L has filed a provisional patent application covering methods of production and formulation as well as the potential applications of the G6-ImpactTM material.

The new material reportedly features excellent rigidity and extraordinary absorption for both impact and vibration. Its high performance is ensured by G3L's proprietary formulation and production method. G6-ImpactTM will be an optimal material for applications where vibration damping is required on rigid surfaces, which could include sporting gear, power tools handles, automotive parts, and aerospace components.

Scientists at Manchester University are working towards developing a new graphene-coated aeroplane. They believe it will allow planes to fly higher, use less fuel and even protect them from lighting strikes. To test these ideas, the scientists have been working with aviation experts at Preston’s University of Central Lancashire and have create a drone-sized prototype.

The 3m wide unmanned aircraft, which is covered in graphene, will be shown off for the first time at Farnborough Air Show this weekend. Nicknamed Prospero, the aircraft will show off the remarkable properties of graphene - and potentially pave the way for it becoming commonly used in commercial aircraft.

Versarien recently announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Spain-based CT Engineering to develop graphene-enhanced composite components for the aerospace industry.

The companies will collaborate to develop a new generation of aerospace components with market leading material properties and performance levels. According to company representatives, the unique combination of CT Engineering's position as a first tier supplier to Airbus Group specializing in advanced composite research & design and Versarien's protected graphene technology, will rapidly move this venture forward and produce a range of innovative products that will disrupt the current aerospace component market.

Graphene 3D Lab has announced a third line of business, the Industrial Materials Division, to be devoted to development of high volume graphene-infused polymers for the automotive, robotics, drone, aerospace and military industries. This line will join the company's two main ones: graphene production and commercialization of 3D Printing technologies.

As a step in this direction, G3L has finalized installation and testing of a state of the art twin-screw extruder manufactured by Thermo Fisher. This specialized equipment allows the company to create advanced composite materials with exceptional accuracy in shorter working times. The extruder will help to incorporate graphene into materials well suited for industrial production of new or existing products that are lighter, stronger, and more flexible than their current commercial counterparts. The company will now be able to respond faster to the increased demand from manufacturers.

Haydale has received £350,000 in research grants from the government, to accelerate the development of new products enhanced by the incorporation of functionalized graphene and other nanomaterials.

The grants are for five project areas:

1. The development of electrically conductive graphene-enhanced adhesives for aircraft structures.
2. The development of multi-functional graphene-enhanced composite materials that are not only capable of detecting the build-up of ice on structures, such as aircraft leading edges and wings, but can then be thermally activated in order to prevent ice build-up.
3. The development of graphene reinforced polyolefin materials for lightweight extruded products such as filaments for nets and filtration.
4. The development of graphene-enhanced epoxy resins with improved durability, wear resistance and thermal cycling performance.
5. The development of graphene-enhanced carbon-carbon composites materials for use in high-performance brake systems.