Hierarchical carbon fibre composites incorporating high loadings of carbon nanotubes

• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2022.109369
• Publication Date: 2022-03-04T00:13:10Z
• Authors: Neptun Yousefi; Sandra J. Fisher; Christoph Burgsta...; Milo S.P. Shaffer; Alexander Bismarck
• Keywords: Agglomerate; Void (composites)

Uncured solid bisphenol-A epoxy resins containing up to 20 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared using melt blending in a high shear mixer. The extrudate was ground produce fine nanocomposite (NC) powders. This simple method produced well-dispersed NC, with CNT agglomerate sizes below 1 μm. Consolidated NCs displayed improved tensile moduli and strengths 3.3 GPa (+32%) 78 MPa (+19%), respectively at 15 CNT, compared the pure cured matrix. relatively Tg of 39 °C for uncured NC powders simplified manufacture composite prepregs wet powder impregnation. laminated into hierarchical fibre reinforced composites through-thickness properties. Interlaminar strength intermediate loadings matrix 65 (10 +19%) but decreased higher concentrations. Compression remained constant irrespectively loading compression increased 2.5 772 (+31%). mechanical properties reflect good consolidation (void content <3%) excellent alignment (<±0.8°). In addition properties, incorporation CNTs electrical conductivity 115 S/m.