Development of sizing-free multi-functional carbon fibre nanocomposites

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Applied science and manufacturing, 2016-11, Vol.90, p.306-319
• Main Authors: Pozegic, T.R., Jayawardena, K.D.G.I., Chen, J-S., Anguita, J.V., Ballocchi, P., Stolojan, V., Silva, S.R.P., Hamerton, I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. carbon nanotubes and nanofibers; A. multifunctional composites; A. nanocomposite; Polymer sizing
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2016.07.012

High quality multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown at high density using a low temperature growth method are used as an alternative material to polymer sizing and is utilised in a series of epoxy composites reinforced with carbon fibres to provide improved physical and electrical properties. We report improvements for sizing-sensitive mechanical and physical properties, such as the interfacial adhesion, shear properties and handling of the fibres, whilst retaining resin-infusion capability. Following fibre volume fraction normalisation, the carbon nanotube-modified carbon fibre composite offers improvements of 146% increase in Young’s modulus; 20% increase in ultimate shear stress; 74% increase in shear chord modulus and an 83% improvement in the initial fracture toughness. The addition of CNTs imparts electrical functionalisation to the composite, enhancements in the surface direction are 400%, demonstrating a suitable route to sizing-free composites with enhanced mechanical and electrical functionality.