The effect of carbon nanotubes wrapping conformation on the interfacial properties of carbon fiber

Abstract

In order to realize the goal of mass production of modification technology, CNTs would be dispersed in gas phase rapidly and then be sprayed to the surface of industrial CF that contain sizing agent. This will increase Interface shear strength (IFSS) of CF from 26MPa before processing to 35MPa maximum (increased about 33.9%). Due to the embedding function that sizing agent has on CNTs, three types of CNTs adhering to the surface of CF are formed. They are complete embedding type (σ1), partial embedding type (σ2) and sufficient exposure type (σ3). This paper analyses the relations between three formations and processing time, and the contribution to IFSS of each type. It is found that the low content of σ1 has a positive effect on IFSS which can reach 6MPa and σ2 has an even stronger effect on the improvement of IFSS compared with σ1on the same concentration. While σ3 has a negative effect on IFSS all the time.