CNT-Based Inherent Sensing and Interfacial Properties of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites - Springer
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are ideal candidates for reinforcement in composite materials due to their nanoscale structure, outstanding mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. Consideration has been given to introducing CNTs into conventional fiber reinforced composites, forming a hierarchical structure, where nanoscale reinforcement is made to work alongside more traditional microscale architecture. CNTs grafting onto fiber surface have been used to create electrically conductive interphases for introducing sensing capabilities in bulk nanocomposites. The intrinsic mechanical properties of CNTs have resulted in considerable interest in their use as reinforcement for composites. Nanocomposites filled with CNT have high stiffness, strength and good electrical conductivity at relatively low concentrations of these reinforcing materials. Gradient specimen which contains electrical contacts with gradually-increasing spacing is an effective test to observe the contact resistance at interface of CNT-polymer nanocomposites. Due to the presence of hydrophobic domains on the heterogeneous surface, CNT-polymer nanocomposites exhibit a hydrophobic property. Strong and durable interfacial adhesion is expected to transfer the stress efficiently from the matrix to the fiber, which may result in greatly improved mechanical properties in composites. Inherent sensing and interfacial properties of fiber reinforced CNT-polymer nanocomposites could be evaluated by electro-micromechanical and wettability measurements.
