Thermo-Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced Polyimide Composites for Aerospace Thermal Protection Systems

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Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | 05 | Page :
    By

    R Meenakshi Reddy,

  • P. Piramanayagam,

  • M.Sridharan,

  • Padhyala Priyadarsan,

  • Jnanaranjan Acharya,

  • Surrya Prakash Dillibabu,

  • Beporam Iftekhar Hussain,

  • Dinesh Babu,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, KLN College of Engineering, Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Professor, Department of Mathematics, NPR College of Engineering and Technology (Autonomous), Natham, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lendi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  6. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bapatla Engineering College, Andhra Pradesh, India
  8. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Achariya College of Engineering Technology, Puducherry,

Abstract

Advanced aerospace thermal protection systems (TPS) need materials to fulfill a specific combination of high thermal resistance and mechanical strength as well as electrical reliability. SI serves aerospace engineering applications because of its superior thermal stability as well as its excellent mechanical properties and lightweight structure. The thermal conductivity limitation and electrical insulation properties of this material prevent its suitability for heat-dissipative and EMI-shielding applications. The research examines these limitations by creating MWCNT polyimide composites through solution mixing combined with thermal curing processes. Various MWCNT concentrations from 0.5% to 1% to 3% to 5% by weight improved thermal properties, mechanical strength and electrical value in the composites. Thermal testing through TGA and DSC showed that MWCNT-polyimide interfaces formed productively which resulted in superior thermal resistance as well as higher glass transition points, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The tensile strength of the composites elevated by 50% when MWCNT concentration reached 3 wt% according to mechanical testing. The four-point probe method detected a seven-order improvement of electrical conductivity which reached percolation thresholds at 1 wt% MWCNT. Laboratory tests established EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) performance from 8 to 12 GHz X-band frequencies and from 12 to 18 GHz Ku-band frequencies through 5 wt% MWCNT incorporation which yielded 40 dB SE while making these materials applicable for EMI shielding purposes. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed statistically important improvements in tested properties. Research proves that MWCNT-reinforced polyimide composites possess potential applications as next-generation aerospace thermal protection systems which advance the development of polymer composites that combine tailored thermal, mechanical and electromagnetic properties.

Keywords: thermal expansion , thermal protection systems

How to cite this article:
R Meenakshi Reddy, P. Piramanayagam, M.Sridharan, Padhyala Priyadarsan, Jnanaranjan Acharya, Surrya Prakash Dillibabu, Beporam Iftekhar Hussain, Dinesh Babu. Thermo-Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced Polyimide Composites for Aerospace Thermal Protection Systems. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):-.
How to cite this URL:
R Meenakshi Reddy, P. Piramanayagam, M.Sridharan, Padhyala Priyadarsan, Jnanaranjan Acharya, Surrya Prakash Dillibabu, Beporam Iftekhar Hussain, Dinesh Babu. Thermo-Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced Polyimide Composites for Aerospace Thermal Protection Systems. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=216665


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
05
Received 30/04/2025
Accepted 04/07/2025
Published 11/07/2025
Publication Time 72 Days
180

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