Preparation of continuous carbon nanotube networks in carbon fiber/epoxy composite

In order to optimize carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion state in fiber/epoxy composite, a novel kind of CNT organization form of continuous networks was designed. The present work mainly discussed the feasibility of preparing continuous CNT networks in composite: Fiber fabric was immersed into CNT aqueous solution (containing dispersant) followed by freeze drying and pyrolysis process, prior to epoxy infusion. The morphologies of fabric with CNTs were observed by Scanning Electron Microscope. The relationship between CNT networks and flowing epoxy resin was studied. Properties of composite, including out-of-plane electrical conductivity and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), were measured. The results demonstrated that continuous and porous CNT networks formed by entangled CNTs could be assembled in fiber fabric. Most part of them were preserved in composite due to the robustness of network structures. The preserved CNT networks significantly improved out-of-plane electrical conductivity, and also have an effect on ILSS value. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.