Characterization of CNF/CF/Epoxy 3-Phase Composites

Abstract

In this study, Epoxy resin that is a typical thermosetting resin was used as a matrix resin, and 3-phase composites (Epoxy reinforced by carbon nanofiber (CNF) and PAN-based carbon fiber (CF)) were manufactured. By evaluating mechanical properties, the thermal characteristic and the electrical characteristic of each composite, the effect of filler addition was investigated in detail. As a result of 3-phase composite was compared with 2-phase composite (Epoxy reinforced by CNF or CF), thermal conductivity was deteriorated. However tensile strength, Young's modulus and the electrical conductivity were greatly improved. Moreover, to improve CNF/Epoxy matrix adhesion, the oxidation treatment by heating in the air atmosphere was done to CNF. By the oxidation treatment for CNF, the improvement of the Young's modulus and tensile strength was admitted in only 2-phase composite. On the other hand, thermal conductivity and the volume resistivity were inferior compared with untreated CNF.