Communication—Catalyst Study on the Large-Scale Preparation of Carbon Nanotube-Grafted Carbon Fibers with High Tensile Strength

Abstract

This article aimed at development of a catalyst for the highly efficient preparation of carbon nanotube (CNT)-grafted carbon fibers (CFs) with high mechanical properties by using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Based on an innovative technique for the uniform coating of catalyst on the CF surface, the influence of catalyst type on the morphology and mechanical properties of CNT-grafted CFs has been systematically studied. It was found that trace addition of Cu can significantly enhance the catalytic activity of Fe catalyst, the corresponding tensile strength of final CNT-grafted CFs is 12.0% higher than the untreated CFs.