Modification of carbon fiber–polyurethane interface with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Modification of polyurethane–carbon fibre (CF) interface by grafting carbon nanotubes onto a surface of the fibre is reported. The grafting technique allows avoiding the fibre mechanical properties deterioration. The technique includes desizing of CFs, introduction of a protective aluminium oxide coating, deposition of Fe catalyst and then chemical vapour deposition for nanotube growth. Re-enforced composites were fabricated with polyurethane as a matrix. Polymer–fiber interface properties were estimated through the measurement of interfacial shear strength (IFSS). It was shown that IFSS increased more than twice due to nanotube grafting. The enhancement of both thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of composites with modified interface was observed. Significant improvement of delamination resistance was proven for composites with modified polymer–fibre interface.