Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites Research Articles

Mechanical improvement of carbon fiber/epoxy composites by sizing functionalized carbon nanotubes on fibers

AbstractA sizing agent mainly consisting of polyethersulfone and acidified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was developed for surface modification of carbon fibers (CF) to enhance the interfacial bond and to form carbon fiber‐carbon nanotube (CF‐MWCNT) multiscale reinforcements. To prepare the modified carbon fiber/epoxy resin composites (CFRP), a vacuum molding technique was used in this study. The effects of the MWCNT‐containing sizing agent on the morphology and chemical structure of the CF surface were observed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of MWCNT length and content on the mechanical properties of CFRP were also studied. The experimental results showed that the strength of the CFRP decreased with the increase of MWCNT length, and the MWCNT with a content of 0.05 wt% had a good reinforced effect on the CFRP. After the sizing treatment, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the CFRP is increased. These enhancements are attributed to the improved mechanical bonding and chemical bonding between CF and resin matrix. The MWCNT provides nanosized rough surface to CF and these acidified MWCNTs attached to the surface of CF with polar oxygen‐containing functional groups improve the compatibility with reinforcement and resin matrix.Highlights Carbon fiber was modified by a sizing agent mainly consisting of polyethersulfone and acidified carbon nanotube (CNT). CNTs enhance the interfacial chemical bonding and mechanical bonding. The CNT length affects the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber/epoxy resin composites (CFRP). The modified carbon fiber has enhanced the mechanical properties of the CFRP.

Enhancing the Robustness of Hybrid Metal-Composite Connections Through 3D Printed Micro Penetrative Anchors

AbstractThis work proposes a novel solution for manufacturing hybrid metal-composite joints, in which different pin shapes are evaluated for their capability to penetrate long carbon fiber epoxy composites successfully and for the mechanical behavior determined by each configuration. On the metal side, pins are manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), downsizing the currently adopted solutions and, at the same time, developing new blocking features aimed at enhancing the mechanical properties of the joint. The different configurations were evaluated in two distinct experiments: the first to evaluate the induced defects in the composite substrate and the second to characterize the mechanical behavior of the joint. It emerges that smaller pins produce much less damage and misalignments in the composite structure with respect to the conventional pin solution, whereas the new “blocking features” configurations consistently increase maximum pullout load and energy with respect to the conventional pin solution, with the same level of fiber damage.

Fabrication of GNPs sprayed carbon fiber and its effects on the interfacial and mechanical behavior of reinforced epoxy multiscale laminated composite

AbstractThe current research compares the effects of modifying carbon fiber [via spraying graphene nanoplates (GNPs)] and/or GNPs reinforcement on the mechanical and interfacial behavior of carbon fiber epoxy composites. Using a spraying method, the epoxy matrix was reinforced, and carbon fiber was modified with 0.2 and 1 wt% of GNPs, respectively. Tensile, interlaminar, and dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) tests were conducted on the composite to assess the role of GNPs in enhancing mechanical, interfacial, and thermomechanical properties. The obtained results indicate that the spraying technique effectively enhanced the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and interlaminar fracture toughness (ILFT) of the composite. The UTS improved by 31%, while the ILFT significantly improved by 38%. Additionally, assessing the modulus gradient through the interface shows improved interfacial interaction between modified carbon fiber and reinforced epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy examination of the fractured surfaces indicated that the existence of nanofillers with high surface area contributed to significant improvements in adhesion between the modified fiber and reinforced epoxy matrix, leading to enhanced interfacial, mechanical, and thermomechanical properties of CFRPs for structural applications.Highlights Incorporation of surface modified carbon fibers and GNPs reinforcement in the epoxy matrix to enhance the interfacial interaction. Evaluation of the effects of GNP nanofiller on interfacial and mechanical performance of the composite. Fracture surfaces in ILSS, tensile, and mode I test were analyzed using FESEM. Utilization of nanoscale modulus mapping for the fiber‐matrix interface assessment.

Quantitative assessment of whether phosphorus-based flame retardants are optimizing or degrading the fire hazard of aircraft carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Fire hazards are a primary concern in aircraft accidents, and controlling combustible materials is pivotal in managing cabin fire risks. This work aims to elucidate the impact of widespread measures that introduce phosphorus-based flame retardants (PFRs) on the fire safety of carbon fiber epoxy composites (CF/EP). Firstly, the hazardous indicators for flame retardant CF/EP composites exhibit two categories of optimization and degradation, which are caused by the intrinsic feature, pyrolysis characteristics and chemical valence states of PFRs. Secondly, the fire hazards of composites are assessed by fusing the analytic network process and information weights guided by Nash Equilibrium theory. The method combines the merits of subjective and objective weights from dimensions of intrinsic hazards, interrelationships and data dispersion of indicators. Finally, the assessed fire hazard rankings under 35 and 65 kW/m2 both are EP > CF/EP16%DOPO-HQ > CF/EP > CF/EP7%DPO. In conclusion, DOPO-HQ (+1) primarily increases the fire hazard of CF/EP due to gas-phase flame-retardant effects, while DPO (+3) predominantly reduces the fire hazard of CF/EP by contributing to condensed-phase effects. This work highlights the contradictory effects of PFRs on the fire safety of CF/EP composites due to structure and thermal stability. The proposed ANP and IW hybridization method provides a theoretical foundation for selecting flame retardants and assessing material fire hazards comprehensively.

Experimental estimation and numerical validation of cohesive zone parameters in hydroxyl functionalized MWCNTs‐reinforced CFRP under pure mode II loading

AbstractThe present study concerns the interface mode II fracture of hydroxyl functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites. The well‐known cohesive zone model (CZM) is employed for investigating crack propagation. The major difficulty in applying the CZM is the parameter identification. In this work, the CZM's strength and energy parameters are determined reliably from the Short beam shear (SBS) and End‐notched flexure (ENF) tests, respectively, for pristine and three MWCNTs variations—0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%. The derived CZM parameters from the tests are imputed to a bilinear cohesive law to simulate the global load vs. displacement responses, which correlate well with the experimental findings. It is observed that the addition of 0.2 wt.% of MWCNTs increases the cohesive strength and fracture energy up to 14.14% and 17.78%, respectively, when compared to the pristine composites. Finally, the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis is carried out to investigate the fracture mechanisms.Highlights Cohesive properties under mode II are estimated using standard fracture tests. The homogenization technique is used to calculate the effective properties of CFRP. The maximum % error among the experimental and the numerical peak load is 3.01%. A higher density of hackles with an increase of MWCNTs up to 0.2 wt.%.

The impact of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide reinforcement on the thermal and mechanical properties of CFRP

This study used experimental methods to investigate the impact of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide particles (ND-RGOP) reinforcement on thermal and mechanical properties of unidirectional carbon fiber/ epoxy composites (CFRP). In the results, storage modulus and loss modulus significantly increase with the ND-RGOP addition. Besides, glass transition temperature is enhanced with the addition of 0.4 wt% ND-RGOP. In tensile mode, when compared to the baseline (0 weight% ND-RGOP) composites, the elastic modulus in the 0° direction (E1) enhanced by 8.25 % and 11.39 % with 0.4 (0.4 weight%) and 0.8 (0.8 weight%) ND-RGOP addition, respectively. Besides, the ultimate tensile strength of the 0.4 ND-RGOP/CFRP composites significantly reduced by 16.33 % and 53.08 % in both 0° and 90° directions, respectively, as a result of the fracture mechanism changing from fiber pull out and fiber cracking to fiber breakage which was confirmed by SEM investigations. Furthermore, both the compressive modulus and the shear modulus increased with ND-RGOP reinforcement over 10 %, although the ultimate compressive strength decreases with low ND-RGOP reinforcement. In conclusion, low concentrations of ND-RGOP addition improves the thermal and mechanical properties of CFRP laminates in elastic region, although high concentrations of ND-RGOP decreases the thermal properties.

Enhancing fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites using polyphenylene ether as a modifier

AbstractIn this study, carbon fiber/epoxy composites (CFRP) were fabricated by vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) with polyphenylene ether (PPE) as a toughening agent. The PPE contained hydroxyl end groups that facilitated chemical bonding with epoxy during curing. PPE was incorporated into the epoxy matrix by dissolution, and spreading in the interlaminar regions. The presence of PPE as a toughener exhibited significant improvement in the Mode‐I fracture toughness of the composites. The CFRP samples, which were toughened with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% PPE, showed about 191% to 380% enhancement, respectively, in the critical energy release rate (GIC) compared to the unmodified sample. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed about a 6°C increase in the glass transition temperature of the toughened composites, which is an interesting aspect of this work. These results indicate the potential of using PPE as a toughening agent in CFRP composites.

Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of silver‐coated hollow glass microsphere‐graded short carbon fiber epoxy composite

AbstractThe present study is investigating the use of short carbon fiber (SCF) and silver‐coated hollow glass microsphere (Ag@HGM) reinforced epoxy light‐weight composites for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications in the X‐band frequency range (i.e., 8–12 GHz). The study found that Ag@HGM along with SCF significantly improved the dielectric properties of the composites and enhanced the EMI shielding effectiveness of 34.6 dB. Thermal analysis indicates that the sample shows a high rate of heat dissipation and good thermal conductivity. The dynamic mechanical analysis has indicated that the composite has improved storage modulus, glass transition temperature, and activation energy.Highlights SCF and Ag@HGM epoxy composite is fabricated for EMI shielding application. Two steps: etching and electroless coating of HGM are used for silver coating. The addition of Ag@HGM has enhanced total SE from 27.4 to 34.6 dB. EM wave gets scattered, experiences internal reflections view SCF and Ag@HGM. Additionally, enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties is observed.

An unexpected hardening behaviour of carbon-fiber epoxy composites under flexural fatigue loading and its intensification by graphene nano-fillers

The fatigue performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites under cyclic loading remains a significant concern in various engineering applications due to the complex damage mechanisms and uncertain failure modes associated with these materials. Despite their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, CFRP composites are prone to progressive damage accumulation, leading to premature failure and reduced structural integrity. The present study investigates the flexural fatigue response of pristine CFRPs and CFRPs with added graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), accompanied by in-situ microscopy for progressive damage analysis. Eight layers of carbon fibers fabric, both pristine and GNP coated were utilized to fabricate the composites using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique. GNP-added composites exhibited significantly improved monotonic flexural strength, strain and fatigue life compared to pristine composites. The dissipated strain energy density (DSED) was also evaluated as a function of cycles and correlated with the damage that happened in the composite using in-situ optical imaging. While cycling at or below three-quarters of the maximum tensile stress, it was observed that the DSED decreased with the number of cycles in both composites. However, at higher loads, the DSED was found to increase progressively, ultimately shooting up during catastrophic failure. These composites that showed a decrease in DSED with cycles, did not fail even at one million cycles and had a higher residual strength than the original when they were forced to break under monotonic loading and the percentage increment was even higher when GNPs were used. Additionally, post-failure fracture surface examination using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to understand the influence of GNP addition on damage evolution of CFRPs.

Effects of silica nanoparticles on glass and carbon fiber epoxy composites

Effects of silica nanoparticles on glass and carbon fiber epoxy composites

Confidence intervals of inversely identified material model parameters: A novel two-stage error propagation model based on stereo DIC system uncertainty

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a powerful tool for characterising materials and determining material model parameters. To assess the reliability of the full-field measurement-based inverse identification procedures, it is crucial to investigate the impact of the measurement errors on the identified material model parameters. Literature indicates that conventional error propagation models, which rely on Gaussian noise-contaminated data, significantly overestimate the confidence for inversely identified material model parameters, resulting in misleadingly narrow confidence intervals. A more precise assessment of systematic errors originating from the experimental setup leads to an improved prediction of the confidence intervals, but this requires specific information about the DIC equipment, post-processing details, and a skilled experimentalist. In this work, we propose an alternative two-stage error propagation model that yields more realistic confidence interval predictions based solely on a database of past mechanical experiments conducted with the specific stereo DIC system set up in a particular way. We have validated the proposed procedure numerically using the open-hole test and an orthotropic elastic material model. Our predictions reveal a non-Gaussian probability distribution of the inversely identified material model parameters, with confidence intervals considerably wider than those obtained by considering random Gaussian noise. Furthermore, these predictions were experimentally validated in an extensive experimental campaign investigating a pultruded carbon fibre epoxy composite.

Minimizing environmental degradation in fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites using carbon nanotubes

Environment assisted degradation in mechanical properties is a major concern for the integrity of composites in structural applications. Experiments are performed to examine the efficacy of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to counter the adverse effect of environmental conditions on the fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites (CFRP). Composite coupons are exposed to accelerated weathering cycle for varying durations. Experimental testing shows that the fracture toughness degrades significantly after exposure to aging cycle. The addition of CNTs minimizes the adverse effect of weathering. The comparable fracture toughness of 1000 hrs aged CNT modified CFRPs with the unaged conventional CFRPs suggest that the advantages of CNT addition persist even after exposure to prolong weathering conditions. Fractography analysis reveals that the CNT induced toughening of epoxy improves Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness of conventional CFRPs. While the fracture in conventional CFRP is primarily at fiber/matrix interface, textured microflow, larger sized cusp and matrix cracking are observed in CNT modified CFRPs.

Mechanical and vibrational study of raw and surface‐treated ramie fiber hybridized carbon fiber epoxy composites

AbstractHybrid polymer composites' lightweight, biodegradability, damping, and cost‐effectiveness have made them popular in recent decades. This study evaluated the raw and alkali‐treated hybrid composite's free vibration studies and mechanical properties by changing the ramie fiber layers (core) from two to four and keeping the carbon fiber layers (top and bottom) constant. Thus, to enhance the mechanical properties, the ramie fiber was treated prior with 2, 3, and 4 wt% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). These composites were characterized chemically, mechanically, morphologically, and vibrationally via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, flexural and tensile tests, field emission scanning electron microscope, and free vibration setup, respectively. The tensile and flexural samples were loaded under quasistatic conditions and tested at 1 and 2 mm/min to evaluate tensile and flexural properties, respectively, and a free vibration test built the natural frequencies and reliable damping factor using clamped‐clamped and clamped‐free boundary conditions. Two layers of carbon fiber (exterior layer) and two layers of ramie fiber (core layer) at 3 wt% NaOH produced maximum tensile strength (523 MPa) and flexural modulus (68,869 MPa) among natural and hybrid composite combinations. This study shows that hybridization and alkaline treatment improve composite material mechanical properties in a specific ratio.Highlights Mechanical and vibration analysis of carbon/ramie hybrid composites was studied. Ramie fiber's surface treatment was carried out in NaOH at 2, 3, and 4 wt%. Surface treatment uplifts mechanical and vibration properties than untreated. Ramie fiber's chemical consequences were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope tests. Surface treatment at 3 wt% builds higher mechanical and vibrational properties.

Effect of natural Indocalamus leaf addition on the mechanical properties of epoxy and epoxy-carbon fiber composites

Abstract In this study, Indocalamus micro/nanofibers (IMFs) were extracted from natural Indocalamus leaves by physical processing and alkaline treatment. IMFs reinforced epoxy resin (EP) and their carbon-fiber composites (IMFs/CFRP) were fabricated. The effects of IMF on the mechanical properties of the EP and CFRP composites were studied. Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the functional groups and microstructure of IMF, EP, and CFRP. The experimental results showed that the strength of the EP increased as the IMF content increased from 0% to 20%, but on further increase in IMF content of 25%, the strength of the EP reduced. In addition, the mechanical properties of the IMF/CFRP were slightly higher as compared with the control CFRP. The SEM observations on IMFs/EP and IMFs/CFRP composites reveal that the alkali-treated IMFs facilitate the interfacial interlocking structure and improve the interfacial adhesion of the composites.

Mechanical behavior of recycled carbon fiber epoxy and vinylester composites produced by resin infusion with flexible tooling technology (RIFT)

This research aims to define a technological process to design and manufacture high-performance components with innovative composite materials and to assess a line of recycling and recovery of processing waste. The material under study is a felt (non-woven fabric) of short carbon fibres produced by recycling composite material scraps. The activities focus on determining the most suitable production processes and the related process parameters that best lend themselves the uses of recycled carbon felt. Thus, two different laminates were manufactured, adopting epoxy and vinylester resinand the same recycled carbon withthe same stacking sequence. Consequently, the same thickness was obtained,andthe process feasibility and its limits were determined. In addition, the quasi-static and FIMEC tests were conducted to investigate their behaviour under tensile and flexural loading, respectively, and highlight theinfluence of the different matrices used. The results revealed the perfectly elastic behaviour of the material, the strong anisotropy for the epoxy sample and a significant difference in mechanical response in terms of strength and modulus

Effect of carbon/tantalum hybrid film on the properties of carbon fiber and its composites based on magnetron sputtering

To simultaneously improve the strength and toughness of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) using the hybrid effect, a multi-size film with carbon/tantalum (C/Ta) hybrid structure was constructed on the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) by magnetron sputtering using carbon and tantalum as the target materials. Carbon fiber epoxy composites (CFEPs) were prepared by injection molding. The effects of the C/Ta hybrid interface layer on the interfacial bonding and mechanical properties of the CFEPs were analyzed by testing their in-plane shear and bending properties. The results show that the C/Ta hybrid interface layer structure can effectively improve the interfacial bonding and mechanical properties of the CFEP. The in-plane shear and flexural strengths of CFEP modified by double C/Ta magnetron sputtering were 63.53% and 33.15% higher than those of unmodified CFEP, respectively, the in-plane shear modulus increased by 1.53 times, and the bending modulus by 63.26%.

Phase and orientation effects in X-ray attenuation of carbonaceous epoxy composites

Composites made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced in an epoxy matrix have already been successfully used as electromagnetic interference shielding materials. Different weight fractions of randomly distributed and vertically aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphite, and carbon fiber reinforced in the epoxy matrix were used to make these composites. The comparisons of percentage attenuation of different composite materials were studied under both diagnostic or hard (narrow beam geometry) and soft X-rays (monochromatic X-rays beam). It was found that the concentration of CNTs and graphite in epoxy composites affects attenuation. The results also demonstrate that the percentage attenuation for CNTs (as made) epoxy composite is always higher than graphite epoxy and treated CNTs epoxy composite at any concentration at the same thickness and tube voltage. This study also confirmed that the metal catalyst particles present in CNTs contribute to a considerable attenuation of X-rays along with CNTs and also demonstrated that the increase in metal content inside CNTs increases the attenuation. For hard X-rays, the orientation of CNTs in composites affects attenuation, and this effect gradually weakens at higher tube voltages. Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) array epoxy, and the thin composites are not suitable to attenuate diagnostic X-rays coming from high tube potential. For thin samples, VACNT array epoxy composites always perform better on attenuation of soft X-rays than randomly oriented CNTs in composites with any other composition lower than 15 wt %. This study also showed that there is a difference in the attenuation of soft X-rays amongst CNTs, graphite, and carbon fiber epoxy composites, which confirms that the attenuation depends on the geometry of the carbon structures. There is a clear effect of the orientation of CNTs in VACNTs epoxy composite on soft X-ray attenuation, and it shows that the radial direction of CNTs attenuates more X-ray radiation than the tube axis direction.

Tension-after-impact (TAI) performance and 3D damage visualization of carbon-fiber epoxy composites with adhesively bonded patch repairs

Bonded repairs are advantageous for the aircraft industry when applying repairs to composite parts. However, their post-impact behavior under mechanical loads has to be addressed. Within this study, CFRP specimens repaired via a soft-patch repair approach as well as pristine (i.e. virgin) laminates without repairs, were impacted (energy: 5 J to 30 J). Subsequently, tensile tests were performed in order to investigate their post-impact mechanical properties. For selected impact energy levels, a detailed analysis on the extent of damage was conducted by micro-CT imaging. From these investigations, the interrelation of the impact energy, the mechanical properties obtained from the post-impact tensile tests as well as of the extent (quantitative and qualitative) and nature of damage could be studied and visualized in 2D and 3D images. Furthermore, a high-resolution image acquired on an undamaged repair-specimen was segmented, from which the individual bond constituents could be identified and visualized in 3D representations.

Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of Carbon Fibre Epoxy Composites with Interleaved Graphite Nanoplatelet Layer

The use of interleaving material with viscoelastic properties is one of the most effective solutions to improve the damping capacity of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Improving composite damping without threatening mechanical performance is challenging and the use of nanomaterials should lead to the target. In this paper, the effect of a nanostructured interlayer based on graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the damping capacity and fracture toughness of CFRP laminates has been investigated. High-content GNP/epoxy (70 wt/30 wt) coating was sprayed on the surface of CF/epoxy prepregs at two different contents (10 and 40 g/m2) and incorporated at the middle plane of a CFRP laminate. The effect of the GNP areal weights on the viscoelastic and mechanical behaviour of the laminates is investigated. Coupons with low GNP content showed a 25% increase in damping capacity with a trivial reduction in the storage modulus. Moreover, a reduction in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and fracture toughness (both mode I and mode II) was observed. The GNP alignment and degree of compaction reached during the process were found to be key parameters on material performances. By increasing the GNP content and compaction, a mitigation on the fracture drop was achieved (−15%).

Electrophoretically Deposited Multiscale Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanotube Construct Mediated Interfacial Engineering in Carbon Fiber Epoxy Composites.

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites as a structural material have garnered tremendous interest over the past few decades. In particular, carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy (CFRE) laminates have seen extensive use in the aircraft and aerospace industry. The role of the interface between the matrix and fiber is critical and dictates the overall structural properties of the CFRE laminate. Herein, we attempt to use a commercially viable, green, and facile approach, electrophoretic deposition (EPD), to deposit covalently coupled multiscale graphene oxide (GO)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanoconstructs onto carbon fiber (CF) fabric. The rationale behind using these hybrid conjugates is to exploit the positive synergistic effect of combining two-dimensional (2D) GO and one-dimensional (1D) CNT nanoparticles, which provide strengthening through different mechanisms resulting in a stronger matrix/fiber interface. The modified laminate with just 0.1 wt % GO/CNT content exhibited an improvement in flexural strength (FS) by 24% and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) by 30% compared to the neat CFRE. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs confirmed uniform and homogeneous GO and GO/CNT deposition on CF. Raman, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses validate the successful functionalization of CNT and covalent coupling of GO and CNT. Atomic force microscope (AFM) and contact angle analyses indicate improved interaction between the CF and matrix. The deposition of the GO/CNT nanoconstruct on the CF improved the performance of CFREs owing to enhanced wettability, surface free energy, and surface roughness, leading to increased mechanical interlocking between the epoxy and CF at the interface. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed decreased segmental motion of epoxy chains due to improved interfacial adhesion following modification. Interesting observations were made in SEM fractography, which showed considerably different failure mechanisms in the modified CFREs. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of -45 dB was achieved in the case of the GO/CNT-CFRE system. Electrothermal heating and de-icing performance of the modified system were also explored in this study. This versatile approach can open up new avenues for CFRE modification leading to considerably improved performance.