Dual conductive network of nickel‐coated carbon fiber woven fabric for indirect and direct lightning strike protection of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites

In this study, a dual conductive network of nickel-coated carbon fiber woven fabrics (Ni-CFWF) was presented for indirect and direct lightning strike protection (LSP) of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The Ni-CFWF prepared by electroless plating was bonded to the top surface of a CFRP composite. Excellent electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of Ni-CFWF/CFRP composite was achieved with a value of 92.87 dB in the frequency range 8.2–12.4 GHz, 189.22% greater than that of the pristine CFRP composite. Moreover, the prepared Ni-CFWF also exhibited a good direct lightning strike (LS) protection performance. The maximum LS damage depth and area of the Ni-CFWF/CFRP composites were reduced by 21.59% and 6.11% under a simulated lightning current with the peak of 100 kA, respectively. Correspondingly, the residual strength of the Ni-CFWF/CFRP composites was maintained at 92.65% after LS, demonstrated the LSP effectiveness. Our work provides an effective strategy for the design of a protective system that considers both indirect and direct LSP.