6 - Deposition of Carbon Nanotubes on Fibers

Abstract

This chapter covers deposition and growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on micron-size engineering fibers. The focus is on glass, carbon, and aramid fibers and deposition after synthesis, and the chapter touches on in situ growth and other nonengineering fibers, such as natural fibers. The chapter covers the fundamentals of the dipping and electrophoretic deposition methods, as well as a brief review of in situ growth and other methods for the deposition of CNTs. Applications of such multifunctional CNT-coated fibers for modifying the interface of fiber reinforced polymer composites and as noninvasive elements for structural health monitoring are also briefly discussed.