Effective Thermal Conductivities of a Novel Fuzzy Fiber-Reinforced Composite Containing Wavy Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

This article deals with the investigation of the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) waviness on the effective thermal conductivities of a novel fuzzy fiber-reinforced composite (FFRC). The distinctive feature of the construction of this novel FFRC is that wavy CNTs are radially grown on the circumferential surfaces of the carbon fibers. Effective thermal conductivities of the FFRC are determined by developing the method of cells (MOCs) approach in conjunction with the effective medium (EM) approach. The effect of CNT waviness is studied when wavy CNTs are coplanar with either of the two mutually orthogonal planes of the carbon fiber. The present study reveals that (i) if CNT waviness is parallel to the carbon fiber axis then the axial (K1) and the transverse (K2) thermal conductivities of the FFRC are improved by 86% and 640%, respectively, over those of the base composite when the CNT volume faction present in the FFRC is 16.5% and the temperature is 400 K, (ii) the effective value of K1 of the FFRC containing wavy CNTs being coplanar with the carbon fiber axis is enhanced by 75% over that of containing straight CNTs for the fixed CNT volume faction when the temperature is 400 K, and (iii) the CNT/polymer matrix interfacial thermal resistance does not affect the effective thermal conductivities of the FFRC. The present work also reveals that for a particular value of the CNT volume fraction, optimum values of the CNT waviness parameters, such as the amplitude and the wave frequency of the CNT for improving the effective thermal conductivities of the FFRC can be estimated.

Strain gradient polarization in graphene

“…In view of their extraordinary mechanical, thermal, and physical properties, CNTs have emerged as one of the most promising nano-reinforcements that can also be used to tailor the properties of polymers [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. Moreover, the successful synthesis of 2D single layer graphene sheet [21] has attracted considerable attention from both academia and industry.…”

Review on micromechanics of nano‐ and micro‐fiber reinforced composites

“…Generally, in‐plane waviness is found to be more severe than out‐of‐plane waviness . When fiber waviness occurs, the mean fiber orientation usually remains parallel to the desired fiber direction, but displays some periodic curvature, frequently modeled as sinusoidal . Therefore, the wavy fibers were modeled herein as sinusoidal fibers; while at any location along its length, the fiber is considered as transversely isotropic.…”

Synergistic effect of ultrasonically assisted exfoliated MWCNTs by ZrO2 nanoparticles on thermo-mechanical and anti-corrosive properties of epoxy nanocomposites

“…25,26 To resolve these challenges, the exfoliation of CNTs by inorganic nanofiller offers boundless potential that improved the dispersibility of CNTs and provided enormous strength and compatibility at the interfaces with the host matrix. 26,27 The previous study revealed that Zirconium dioxide, ZrO 2 nanoparticles, act as a promising inorganic nanofiller in the EP matrix showing good anti-corrosive performance and wear resistance property. 28 The high-density ZrO 2 nanoparticles possess exceptional mechanical strength, good chemical resistance, high fracture toughness, and low thermal conductivities.…”