CFRP surface contamination detection by an electronic nose device for quality assessment of adhesive bonds in lightweight aircraft structures

In aeronautic industry, an important step towards an energy efficient aircraft is the use of composite materials (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics, CFRP) showing excellent mechanical properties combined with low specific weight. Since assembly and maintenance of CFRP aircraft components are preferably to be performed by adhesive bonding, it is critical for in-field Quality Assessment (QA) procedures to check for surface contaminations by aeronautic fluids (e.g. hydraulic and de-icing fluids, release agent, water), that may eventually affect the bond strength and robustness. To this aim, any Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques have not been yet validated for ensuring the quality of the bonds. ENEA is involved in an international cooperation financed by EU in the framework of ENCOMB project (Extensive Non-destructive test for Composite Bonds quality assessment) with the aim to check and develop artificial olfaction tool as a suitable NDT technique for surface quality assessment, capable to implement a specific detection of contaminants traces on CFRP surfaces and prevent damage or failures.