Composite polymer structure reinforced with shape memory alloy and manufacturing method

摘要

A polymer composite structure having resin matrix interlayers reinforced with shape memory alloy (SMA) particles. In one preferred form Nitinol(R) alloy particles are used for the SMA particles. The Nitinol(R) alloy particles may comprise cylindrical, oval or spherical shaped particles and are intermixed in the resin of the resin matrix interlayer(s) of the composite structure. The SMA particles provide superelastic, reversible strain properties that significantly improve the damage resistance, damage tolerance (e.g. compression-after-impact (CAI) strength) and elevated temperature performance of the composite structure without negatively affecting the hot-wet compression strength of the composite structure. The polymer composite structure is ideally suited for aerospace and aircraft applications where lightweight and structurally strong materials are essential.