MWCNTs nanocomposites for space applications

Polymers with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) seem the most promising materials to advance satellite technologies, due to their capacities to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and to keep electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) under control. In this paper, nanocomposites based on commercial multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and RTM6 resin were analysed. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) were used for morphological analysis of nanocomposites in order to evaluate filler dispersion. The conductivity of the samples was measured with a two-point method. Their complex permittivity was measured in the frequency band (200MHz–10 GHz) using a commercial dielectric probe (Agilent 85070D) and a Network Analyzer (E8361A). A complete electrical characterization was done, correlated with the contents of MWCNTs.