Tailoring the optical and UV reflectivity of CFRP-epoxy composites: Approaches and selected results

Abstract Specific nano- and micro-scale morphologies of composites can affect the resulting optical UV reflectivity materials. One example is “Vantablack ® ” made from aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with 99.96% absorption. A similar material CNTs grown on surface-activated aluminum (CNTs/sa-Al) even yielded 99.995% absorption, one order magnitude higher than Vantablack®. On other hand, fresh snow reflects 90% or more incident electromagnetic radiation wavelengths between 400 1,000 nm. The originates multiple scattering in porous morphology grains. Taking these complex as inspiration, CFRP epoxy different types, sizes, shapes, amount nanoparticles are prepared compared regarding their ultraviolet (UV) reflectivity. Increasing near far may be beneficial for durability composites, but selective lower certain wavelength ranges also yield tailored visual effects. Results processing approaches selected presented discussed.