WP0 (Project Management) will focus on the co-ordination, monitoring and reporting of the project progress through the whole duration of the project.

WP1 (Definition of requirements and materials selection) is the starting point of the project. Specifications of aircraft composite structures in terms of materials and manufacturing processes and an analysis of commercial nanomaterials and their properties will be carried out, in order to decide the base materials to be used during the project. Specifications of structural and functional requirements of ice / fire protection and sensoring systems of aircraft composite structures will be also defined. Several nanomaterials will be considered: different carbon nanotubes CNTs (single wall SWCNT or multi wall MWCNT), carbon nanofibres CNFs, layered silicates (MMT) or also another less studied materials like metal nanotubes and metallic nanoparticles supported on microfibrous silicates. Moreover, it will be considered the possibility of combining different types of nanomaterials.

WP2 (Synthesis of multifunctional nanocomposite layer, LEVEL 1) is the core of the project, the scientific part. Development of nanocomposite with triple functionality (electrical /thermal conductivity, fire resistance and sensing capability) will be carried out. First, three functionalities will be studied separately and in all the cases the work will focus on pre-treatment, dispersion, adhesion and orientation (randomly or aligned) of nanomaterials into resin for obtaining the required functionality. The work will be supported by modelling analysis and specific tests to evaluate the properties. Once the three funcitionalities are optimized, they will be integrated. For that, the best way to combine materials and processes defined for individual functionality will be studied.

In this WP, modelling will have an important role. The main task within this part will be to derive a model that will show how each of the possible nanofillers will interact with each other and with the available epoxy matrix in order to produce nanocomposites of predictable electrical, thermal, sensing properties and fire protection.

WP3 (Incorporation of functionality in novel composites, LEVEL 2) is the technological part, where the already developed nanocomposite will be integrated in the traditional composite manufacturing process. For that, several layer alternatives will be considered (buckypaper, resin film, prepreg, gel-coat or top-coat), that once selected and optimized will be Incorporated in the manufacturing process of the novel composite.

WP4 (Economic evaluation, exploitation and dissemination) will cover the economic aspects of the developed technology, as well as exploitation of the innovation produced and dissemination plan. Required adjustment of conventional manufacturing processes will be an important aspect to evaluate economically. Steps required for certification of technology will be explored also.