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

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 966 982
    By

    R. Meenakshi Reddy,

  • P. Piramanayagam,

  • M. Sridharan,

  • Padhyala Priyadarsan,

  • Jnanaranjan Acharya,

  • Surrya Prakash Dillibabu,

  • Beporam Iftekhar Hussain,

  • Dinesh Babu R.,

  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, India

Abstract

Advanced aerospace thermal protection systems (TPS) require multifunctional materials that simultaneously provide high thermal stability, mechanical strength, and reliable electrical performance. Polyimide (PI) is widely used in aerospace structures due to its lightweight design and exceptional thermal durability, yet its low thermal conductivity and insulating behavior limit its effectiveness in heat dissipation and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. This study addresses these limitations by developing multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced polyimide composites fabricated through a solution mixing process followed by thermal curing. MWCNT loadings of 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt% were incorporated to analyze their influence on composite performance. Thermal analyses (TGA and DSC) confirmed improved decomposition temperatures and increased glass transition values, demonstrating strong interfacial interactions between MWCNTs and the PI matrix. Mechanical tests revealed a 50% enhancement in tensile strength at 3 wt% MWCNT due to efficient load transfer and network formation. Electrical measurements using the four-point probe method showed a seven-order increase in conductivity, with a percolation threshold near 1 wt% MWCNT. EMI shielding evaluations indicated that composites containing 5 wt% MWCNT achieved up to 40 dB shielding effectiveness across X-band (8–12 GHz) and Ku-band (12–18 GHz) frequencies. Statistical validation using the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed the significance of performance variations across different loadings. Overall, the findings demonstrate that MWCNT-enhanced polyimide composites offer strong potential as next-generation TPS materials with superior thermal, mechanical, electrical, and EMI shielding capabilities.

Keywords: Polyimide Composites, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), Thermal Protection Systems (TPS), Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding, Thermo-Mechanical Properties, Aerospace Materials.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
R. Meenakshi Reddy, P. Piramanayagam, M. Sridharan, Padhyala Priyadarsan, Jnanaranjan Acharya, Surrya Prakash Dillibabu, Beporam Iftekhar Hussain, Dinesh Babu R.. Thermo-Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced Polyimide Composites for Aerospace Thermal Protection Systems. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):966-982.
How to cite this URL:
R. Meenakshi Reddy, P. Piramanayagam, M. Sridharan, Padhyala Priyadarsan, Jnanaranjan Acharya, Surrya Prakash Dillibabu, Beporam Iftekhar Hussain, Dinesh Babu R.. Thermo-Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube-Enhanced Polyimide Composites for Aerospace Thermal Protection Systems. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):966-982. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=216665


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 30/04/2025
Accepted 04/07/2025
Published 30/07/2025
Publication Time 91 Days
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