Abstract
In this report, networks of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are transformed into composite yarns by infusion, mechanical consolidation and polymerization of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). The microstructures of the CNT yarn and its composite are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and a focused ion beam used for cross-sectioning. Pristine yarns have tensile strength, modulus and elongation at failure of 0.8 GPa, 14 GPa and 14.0%, respectively. In the composite yarn, these values are significantly enhanced to 1.2 GPa, 68 GPa and 3.4%, respectively. Owing to the consolidation and alignment improvement, its electrical conductivity was increased from 1.0 × 105 S/m (raw yarn) to 5.0 × 105 S/m and 5.3 × 105 S/m for twisted yarn and composite yarn, respectively. The strengthening mechanism is attributed to the binding of the DCPD polymer, which acts as a capstan and increases frictional forces within the nanotube bundles, making it more difficult to pull them apart.
Highlights
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unique structures and properties that could be advantageous in forming composites for structural applications [1,2], flexible sensing substrates [3], and multi-functional devices [4]
The arrangement of carbon nanotubes within the composite yarn is similar to Figure 1b, but in a composite yarn, the space between bundles is filled with polymer
Tchoentlaecntgtohvienr c2oπntarcatdwiainths.thTeh1e0 CnNmTcaopvsetarnlaspis coinnstirgibnuifiticnagnttowThen ciosmaspsaurmededtotothbeele2n5gμthmcfornotmribthuetinogbsteorvtheed hpoulldloinugt ifnricFtiigounr.eS9ect.tiTnhgeTlHenolgd tehqiunal cotonttahcet uwltiitmh athteete1n0snilme sctraepssstaonf stwisisitnesdigynairfnicsanant dwuhseinngcoamcopeaffirecdietnot tohfefrliecntigotnh ecqounatrlitbou0ti.n0g8 [t4o3–th4e5], htohlde icnaglcufrliacttiioonn.inSdeitctaintegs tThat TLeoqaduiasl1t.o3 GthPea.uTlthimis aisteinterneassiloensatbrleessagorfeetmweisnttedwiytharonusr arensdulutssifnogr tahe coceofmficpioesnitteofyafrrinctsi,oinn ewqhuiaclhtoth0e.0U8T[4S3i–s415.]2, t±he0.c1aGlcuPlaatoibotnaiinneddicafrtoems ththaet eTxperiims 1en.3taGlPmae. aTshuirseims iennt re(Fasigounraeb7le).agreement with our results for the composite yarns, in which the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is 1.2 ± 0.1 GPa obtained from the experimental measurement (Figure 7)
Summary
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unique structures and properties that could be advantageous in forming composites for structural applications [1,2], flexible sensing substrates [3], and multi-functional devices [4]. It is well known that polymer incorporation can improve the mechanical properties of CNT assemblies by connecting non-adjacent CNTs and increasing load sharing between nanotubes [21]. Researchers have investigated the strengthening effects of a variety of other thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers on CNT assemblies, including polyimide [24], bismaleimide [24,25], polyethylenimine [26], polydopamine [27] and so forth These polymer infiltrations can effectively increase the tensile strength of CNT assemblies up to 4.04 GPa [27]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation showing DCPD-infused CNT assemblies We effectively improved both the mechanical and electrical properties of CNT yarns using this strategy. A plausible capstan strengthening mechanism is proposed based on the experimental results
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
