Developments of high-performance composites by innovative ex situ concept for aerospace application

In the framework of the National Key Basic Research Program (973 Program) we focus our attention on research and development of (1) continuous enhancement of composites performance both for new generation and existing materials, (2) cost-effective manufacturing technologies, particularly resin transfer molding (RTM) in conjunction with textile technology, and (3) crashworthy composite structures in design, and manufacturing and simulation methodology for aircraft composites. Many successful example stories, such as ex situ concept, have demonstrated that the performance potential of composites could be enhanced and maximized by basically understanding the complicated multi-scale and multidimensional structural characteristics in relation to properties. Based on the concept, graphite composites system with generally high-impact damage resistance and balanced processing conditions has being developed consisting of base resins, modifiers, and binders/tackifiers.