METALLIZATION OF COMPOSITE AERONAUTICS STRUCTURE THROUGH ROBOTIZED DEPOSITION COLD SPRAY TECHNOLOGIES

Unlike their metal counterparts, composite structures do not readily conduct away the electrical
currents generated by lightning strikes. Cost reduction and expected production in aeronautics
require automated manufacturing process. The development of an automated technology to
metallize polymer based composite for lightning strike protection is the aim of the CO3 project.
In this study, thermal and electrical conductivities of composites are achieved by the cold spray
deposition of a metallic (Cu or Al) coating. The critical points to be addressed were substrate
erosion during cold spray, lack of polymer-metal adhesion as well as poor deposition
efficiency.