| abstract |
A curable composite material with high z-direction conductivity. The curable composite material includes two or more layers of reinforced carbon fibers that have been infused or impregnated with a curable matrix resin and an interlayer region containing at least conductive nano-sized particles (eg, carbon nanotubes) and a lightweight carbon shield. According to another embodiment, the interlayer region further contains polymeric toughening particles. Methods for making composite materials and structures are also disclosed. |