Multiscale hybrid micro-nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers

Inam, Fawad, Wong, Doris, Kuwata, Manabu and Peijs, Ton (2010) Multiscale hybrid micro-nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers. Journal of Nanomaterials, 2010. p. 453420. ISSN 1687-4110

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Abstract

Amino-modified double wall carbon nanotube (DWCNT-NH2)/carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy hybrid micro-nanocomposite laminates were prepared by a resin infusion technique. DWCNT-NH2/epoxy nanocomposites and carbon fiber/epoxy microcomposites were made for comparison. Morphological analysis of the hybrid composites was performed using field emission scanning electron microscope. A good dispersion at low loadings of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in epoxy matrix was achieved by a bath ultrasonication method. Mechanical characterization of the hybrid micro-nanocomposites manufactured by a resin infusion process included three-point bending, mode I interlaminar toughness, dynamic mechanical analysis, and drop-weight impact testing. The addition of small amounts of CNTs (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 wt%) to epoxy resins for the fabrication of multiscale carbon fiber composites resulted in a maximum enhancement in flexural modulus by 35%, a 5% improvement in flexural strength, a 6% improvement in absorbed impact energy, and 23% decrease in the mode I interlaminar toughness. Hybridization of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy using CNTs resulted in a reduction in Tg and dampening characteristics, presumably as a result of the presence of micron-sized agglomerates.

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