(488b) Graphene/Montmorillonite Coating As a Lightning Strike Protective Layer for Epoxy-Based Composites: Thermal Analysis By Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to determine thermal conductivities and through-thickness temperature profiles of unprotected crosslinked epoxy, as well as protected epoxy with graphene (Gr) and montmorillonite (MMT)/Gr surface coatings against lightning strike damage. Three hot surface temperatures of 500 K, 1,000 K, and 10,000 K, corresponding to the initial stages of the temperature rise at the lightning strike site, were used. The MMT/Gr double-layer coating provided the most efficient thermal shielding of the epoxy sublayer, even at 10,000 K. Much less efficient thermal shielding was observed for the Gr coating. Based on the results of this study, it is inferred that the MMT/Gr top coating has great potential to be used as a lightning strike damage protection measure for epoxy-based composite systems. A more thorough multi-physics (electrothermal) analysis of the epoxy/MMT/Gr system may further reveal its lightning strike damage mitigation efficacy.