Recent progresses on lightning strike protection for carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite

In recent years, the aerospace industry has widely embraced carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites due to their exceptional specific strength and stiffness. However, CFRP exhibit inherent deficiencies in electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and electromagnetic shielding properties in comparison to traditional metal counterparts, rendering them susceptible to severe damage upon lightning strikes. Enhancing electrical conductivity emerges as the fundamental and most effective measure to mitigate lightning-induced damage in CFRP composites. This review provides a comprehensive review of recent efforts and advancements in lightning strike protection (LSP) achieved through improvements in the electrical conductivity of CFRP composite. Various methodologies have been adopted to enhance the electrical conductivity of CFRP composite, either enhance the overall electrical conductivity of the material or its surface. The review categorizes these materials into two aspects: surface LSP and overall LSP. Some of these strategies have demonstrated excellent lightning strike protection and hold great potential in practical applications. Finally, the article offers insights into the prospective future development of LSP for CFRP composite.