Carbon nanofibers-based nanocomposites with silicon oxy-carbide matrix

• Published in: Ceramics international 2020-01, Vol.46 (1), p.1040-1051
• Main Authors: Sokolowski, Krystian, Palka, Piotr, Blazewicz, Stanislaw, Fraczek- Szczypta, Aneta
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrical properties; Functional applications; Nanocomposites; Silicon oxy-carbides
• ISSN: 0272-8842; 1873-3956
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2019.09.069

The subject of the study were nanocomposites made by infiltration of carbon nanofibers in the form of mat (CNF) with a poly(methylphenylsiloxane) resin (PMPS) solution followed by heat-treatment up to 1000 °C. The nanocomposites were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and by means of surface measurement tests. The morphology, microstructure, structure and selected properties of the nanocomposites were analysed. The influence of the CNF oxidative surface treatment on interface properties in CNF/resin and CNF/resin-derived ceramics nanocomposites was investigated. The high surface tension occurring at the nanofiber/resin interface required preliminary chemical treatment of carbon nanofiber surface. The surface chemical state of CNF had a significant influence on their interaction with the resin and formation of SiOC protective layer on nanofibers surface. The SiOC phase formed on the CNF surface at 1000 °C improved thermal stability of the nanocomposites in air. Due to the formation of the free carbon phase during resin heat-treatment the resulting ceramic nanocomposite matrix showed a lower electrical resistance compared to pure carbon mats.