An experimental study on the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into resin transfer molded composites

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1505280 (Table of Contents)

Fiber reinforced composites can be engineered to present superior mechanical, thermal and electrical properties if primary constituents are integrated with nano phase structures. The preferable integration methodology is such that it should be easily applicable, up scalable and of low cost for industrial needs. There are numerous studies on literature based on mainly four different manufacturing methods, namely, in-resin infusion,CVD growth, interlyer placement and electrophoretic deposition. Each of these methods has distinct drawbacks such as dispersion, viscosity and alignment etc. in integrating nano phase structures (i.e., carbon nanotubes, nano fibers of various polymers, or graphene) into fiber reinforced composites. The integration of nano structures into traditional polymeric composites by means of these techniques at large scale still remains as a challenge ahead. Therefore, we have developed a new approach to circumvent associated up-scaling and manufacturing issues wherein carbon nanotubes are incorporated into fiber reinforced composites manufactured by Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) method through electro-spraying and electro-spinning processes. This study covers the incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNT) with and without use of a surface agent and incorporation of epoxy compatible CNT grafted nanofibrous interlayer. Design and operation of experimental system focusing on the dispersion and alignment of carbon nanotubes and pertinent mechanical test results are presented.