2. Devulcanized Rubber Based Composite Design Reinforced with Nano Silica, Graphene Nano Platelets (GnPs) and Epoxy for “Aircraft Wing Spar” to Withstand Bending Moment

This paper aims a new composites design by using devulcanized recycled rubber (90 wt %) and epoxy 20 wt %) based composites reinforcement with nano silica and graphene nano plates (GnPs). The toughening effects of nano-silica/graphene hybrid filler at various ratios on this composite were investigated for aircraft engineering applications especially aircraft wing spar. As well known, wing spar is used two of them; one front, other rear in order to control torsional effect of the wing. Nano-silica and graphene nano plates (GnPs) have been used as the main reinforcing fillers that increase the usefulness of recycled rubber composite. As each filler retains its specific advantages, the use of nano-silica/graphene combinations should improve the mechanical and dynamic properties of recycled rubber composite.

In aircraft and aerospace applications, graphene nano plates can be used effectively new design of electrically conductive composites which can improve the electrical conductivity of these composites designed for the fuselages that it would replace copper wire which is generally used for the prevention of damage caused from lightning strikes. There are many advantages and possibilities that graphene nano plates (GnPs) can prevent water entering the wings, which adds weight to the aircraft.

In the frame of this present common research, a new devulcanized recycled rubber based composite design for aircraft wing spar has been proposed and wing load due to structure weight was calculated analytically to tolerate bending moment under the service conditions. The toughness properties and tribological behaviour indicating the reinforcement of recycled rubber based composite were evaluated. Microstructural and fractural analyses were made by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).