Methods for Enhancing the Electrical Properties of Epoxy Matrix Composites

This paper presents ways to modify epoxy resin matrix composites to increase their electrical conductivity. Good electrical properties are particularly important for materials used in the construction of vehicles (cars, trains, airplanes) and other objects exposed to lightning (e.g., wind turbines). When the hull plating is made of an electrical conductor (e.g., metal alloys) it acts as a Faraday cage and upon lightning discharge the electrical charge does not cause damage to the structure. Epoxy-resin-based composites have recently been frequently used to reduce the weight of structures, but due to the insulating properties of the resin, various modifications must be applied to improve the conductivity of the composite. The methods to improve the conductivity have been categorized into three groups: modification of the matrix with conductive fillers, modification of the composite reinforcement, and addition of layers with increased electrical conductivity to the composite.