Abstract
Surface enhancement of components is vital for achieving superior properties in a composite system. In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown on carbon fiber (CF) substrates to improve the surface area and, in turn, increase the adhesion between epoxy-resin and CFs. Nickel (Ni) was used as the catalyst in CNT growth, and was coated on CF sheets via the electroplating method. Surface energetics of CNT-grown CFs and their work of adhesion with epoxy resin were measured. SEM and TEM were used to analyze the morphology of the samples. After the optimization of surface energetics by catalyst weight ratio (15 wt.% Ni), CF-reinforced plastic (CFRP) samples were prepared using the hand lay-up method. To validate the effect of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown CNTs on CFRP properties, samples were also prepared where CNT powder was added to epoxy prior to reinforcement with Ni-coated CFs. CFRP specimens were tested to determine their electrical resistivity, flexural strength, and ductility index. The electrical resistivity of CNT-grown CFRP was found to be about 9 and 2.3 times lower than those of as-received CFRP and CNT-added Ni-CFRP, respectively. Flexural strength of CNT-grown Ni-CFRP was enhanced by 52.9% of that of as-received CFRP. Interestingly, the ductility index in CNT-grown Ni-CFRP was 40% lower than that of CNT-added Ni-CFRP. This was attributed to the tip-growth formation of CNTs and the breakage of Ni coating.
Highlights
Within the last few decades, composite systems have become the main focus of scientists and engineers in different fields, ranging from transportation [1] and building materials [2] to thermal management [3] and energy storage [4]
The ductility index in carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-grown Ni-CF-reinforced plastic (CFRP) was 40% lower than that of CNT-added Ni-CFRP. This was attributed to the tip-growth formation of CNTs and the breakage of Keywords: carbon nanotube; CFRP; surface energy; electrical properties; mechanical properties
We have shown in our previous studies that coating carbon fiber (CF) with adsorption of secondary agents can dramatically improve the CFRP properties
Summary
Within the last few decades, composite systems have become the main focus of scientists and engineers in different fields, ranging from transportation [1] and building materials [2] to thermal management [3] and energy storage [4]. Du et al [15] reported a well adhesion between the flame-assisted grown CNTs and CF substrate They analyzed the electrical and mechanical properties of the CNT-grafted CFRPs as a function of CNT growth time. They employed an electrochemical anodic oxidation method to observe the effect of treatment intensity on the CF surface properties They reported the mechanical properties of fabricated CFRPs as a function of surface area, catalyst composition, and CVD temperature. Tensile strength of CFRPs after patterned growth of CNTs on CF fabric compared with that of uniformly grown CNTs. unlike the present study, previous works have not discussed the effect of catalyst weight ratio on the surface energetics of CNT-grafted CFs and its effect on the enhancement of composite properties.
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