Preparation and properties of composites with staggered alignment of carbon nanotubes induced by electric field

In this paper, bulk polymeric composites with staggered orientation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymer matrix were prepared by means of a macro layer-by-layer (MLBL) method, while an alternating current (AC) electric field was applied for inducing alignment of the CNTs. Test results verified that there existed a relationship between conductive capacity of the composites and orientation of the CNTs in matrix. Conductivity of the composites containing aligned CNTs represented a dependency on time and testing history on the composite specimens. Among the composites with different orientation types of CNTs in the matrices, the composite specimens including staggered orientation of CNTs in polymer matrix demonstrated the most outstanding electric conductivity and showed similar conductive properties in the two directions of the CNT alignment.     

Electric field effects on CNTs/vinyl ester suspensions and the resulting electrical and thermal composite properties

In this study, electrical conductivity of a vinyl ester based composite containing low content (0.05, 0.1 and 0.3 wt.%) of double and multi-walled carbon nanotubes with and without amine functional groups (DWCNTs, MWCNTs, DWCNT-NH₂ and MWCNT-NH₂) was investigated. The composite with pristine MWCNTs was found to exhibit the highest electrical conductivity. Experiments aimed to induce an aligned conductive network with application of an alternating current (AC) electric field during cure were carried out on the resin suspensions with MWCNTs. Formation of electric anisotropy within the composite was verified. Light microscopy (LM), scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were conducted to visualize dispersion state and the extent of alignment of MWCNTs within the polymer cured with and without application of the electric field. To gain a better understanding of electric field induced effects, glass transition temperature (T_g) of the composites was measured via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). It was determined that at 0.05 wt.% loading rate of MWCNTs, the composites, cured with application of the AC electric field, possessed a higher T_g than the composites cured without application of the AC electric field.     

Electrical conductivity of polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes and nanofibers

Polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites with low loading levels of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes, carboxyl functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and vapor grown carbon nanofibers were prepared by a versatile coagulation method. The alternating current electrical conductivity of these composites in the frequency range of 40-12 MHz was investigated. The alternating current conductivity of percolating nanocomposites followed a universal dynamic response. Therefore, both the direct current plateau and frequency dependent regime were observed. The percolation threshold of three composite systems was determined to be 1.0, 0.98, and 1.46 vol.%, respectively. Moreover, the percolative nanocomposites exhibited nonlinear current-voltage responses, demonstrating the presence of tunneling conduction.     

电场诱导多壁碳纳米管有序排列对多壁碳纳米管/环氧树脂复合材料性能的影响

采用交流（AC）电场诱导法制备了多壁碳纳米管（MWCNTs）均匀分散且定向有序排列的MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料。采用SEM、偏振拉曼光谱等研究了电场强度、MWCNTs含量、加电时间及温度（黏度）等因素对MWCNTs定向排列的影响,讨论了MWCNTs有序排列对MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料电学和力学性能的影响。结果表明：MWCNTs沿电场方向有序排列;MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料施加AC电场后的拉曼强度明显高于未施加电场的情况;当MWCNTs含量从0wt%增加到0.025wt%时,MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料导电率从2.3×10^-12 S/cm增加到1.3×10^-8 S/cm,增加了约4个数量级;MWCNTs含量为2.5wt%时,MWCNTs/环氧树脂复合材料拉伸强度提高了26.3%。     

Impact behavior and fractographic study of carbon nanotubes grafted carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix multi-scale hybrid composites

Carbon nanotubes are the most promising reinforcement for high performance composites. Multiwall carbon nanotubes were directly grown onto the carbon fiber surface by catalytic thermal chemical vapor deposition technique. Multi-scale hybrid composites were fabricated using the carbon nanotubes grown fibers with epoxy matrix. Morphology of the grown carbon nanotubes was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The fabricated composites were subjected to impact tests which showed 48.7% and 42.2% higher energy absorption in Charpy and Izod impact tests respectively. Fractographic analysis of the impact tested specimens revealed the presence of carbon nanotubes both at the fiber surface and within the matrix which explained the reason for improved energy absorption capability of these composites. Carbon nanotubes presence at various cracks formed during loading provided a direct evidence of micro crack bridging. Thus the enhanced fracture strength of these composites is attributed to stronger fiber–matrix interfacial bonding and simultaneous matrix strengthening due to the grown carbon nanotubes.     

Preparation and investigation of multiwall carbon nanotube—polymer composites

In our research we focus on thermoplastic composites of multiwall carbon nanotubes. Different composition of carbon nanotubes and polymers were produced by a special mixing unit called Infinitely Variable Dynamic Shear Mixer (IDMX) using ABS and polycarbonate polymers as matrix materials. Polycarbonate/multiwall carbon nanotube masterbatch was used in the preparation of different compositions. Concentration series were manufactured and investigated. The nanotube composites were granulated and test pieces were injection moulded. The prepared materials were characterised by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical, electrical properties of the materials were also determined. Correlation was found between the yield stress and the nanotube contents. Impact strength of the composites decreased with the nanotube content, showing more rigid structure than the original pure matrix material. Glass transition of the composites was determined by DSC method. It was found that the characteristic temperatures change by the ratio of the pure materials. Slight change also was found as the carbon nanotube content changes.     

MWCNTs改善WS2/三元乙丙橡胶复合材料的非线性电导特性与热导性能

通过在一定量的纳米WS₂中添加极少量的多壁碳纳米管（MWCNTs）,形成MWCNTs-WS₂复配填料,采用双辊开炼机将三元乙丙橡胶（EPDM）与不同配比的复配填料混合制备了不同MWCNTs含量的MWCNTs-WS₂/EPDM复合材料。并研究了极少量的MWCNTs添加对MWCNTs-WS₂/EPDM复合材料非线性电导性能、直流击穿性能和导热性能的影响。结果表明,极少量的MWCNTs对MWCNTs-WS₂/EPDM复合材料在25℃时的非线性电导特性起到明显的增强作用,且随着MWCNTs含量的增加,复合材料非线性电导特征有明显的规律性变化;由于MWCNTs自身的高电导率和电导正温度系数效应,MWCNTs-WS₂/EPDM复合材料电导率随电场强度的变化趋势在80℃时不再表现非线性特征。另外,极少量的MWCNTs对MWCNTs-WS₂/EPDM复合材料的热导率有明显地改善。      

聚（甲基丙烯酸甲酯-丙烯酸丁酯）/碳纳米管/羰基铁粉电致形状记忆磁性复合材料的制备

采用超声分散磁场下原位聚合的方法制备了聚（甲基丙烯酸甲酯-丙烯酸丁酯）/碳纳米管/羰基铁粉电致形状记忆磁性复合材料。采用扫描电镜（SEM）、红外热像仪和电学性能测试等方法实验表征了材料的结构与性能。结果表明,在磁场下原位聚合可使羰基铁粉沿磁场方向取向,赋予材料各向异性的导电性能和磁响应性。超声辐照能使碳纳米管均匀分散在...     

Processing and characterization of carbon nanotube/poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate) nanocomposites

Nanocomposite materials were prepared from an amorphouspoly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate) latex as the matrix using an aqueous suspension of carbon nanotubes as the filler. After stirring, the preparations were cast and evaporated. The morphology of the resulting films was examined by scanning electron microscopy and a good dispersion of the filler was observed, except for the 5 wt% filled sample. The electrical conductivity and mechanical behavior in both the linear and non-linear ranges were analyzed. From conductivity measurements, a clear percolation threshold has been observed for a relatively low critical volume fraction around 1.5%. The mechanical characterization displayed a continuous reinforcing effect of the carbon nanotubes without lowering of the elongation at break up to 3 wt%. The thermal stability of the composites was strongly improved by carbon nanotubes loading. For instance, the terminal zone was shifted by 115 K with only 15 wt% of nanotubes.     

Dielectric properties of epoxy/short carbon fiber composites

The dielectric properties of epoxy/short carbon fiber composites at different concentrations 0, 5, 10 and 15% by weight, different thicknesses 2 and 4 mm, and frequency in the range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were utilized. The alternating current (ac) electrical properties (complex impedance, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, real part of electric modulus, imaginary part of electric modulus, electrical conductivity, and relaxation time) were determined. It was found that the applied frequency, filler concentrations, and composite thickness affected the ac electrical properties of the epoxy/carbon fiber composites. The dielectric behaviors of the interfacial polarization between epoxy matrix and carbon fibers could be described by the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars relaxation. The analysis of the complex electric modulus in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz revealed that the interfacial relaxation followed the Cole–Davidson distribution of relaxation times. The universal power-law of ac conductivity was observed in the epoxy/carbon fiber composites. The calculated power exponent (near unity) is physically acceptable within this applied model.     

Influence of the concentration of carbon nanotubes on electrical conductivity of magnetically aligned MWCNT–polypyrrole composites

The goal of this work is to study the effect of high magnetic pulses on electrical property of carbon nanotube–polypyrrole (CNT–PPy) composites with different CNT concentrations. CNT–PPy composites are produced in fractions of 1, 5 and 9 wt%. During the polymerization process, the CNTs are homogeneously dispersed throughout the polymer matrix in an ultrasonic bath. Nanocomposite rods are prepared. After exposure to 30 magnetic pulses, the resistivity of the rods is measured. The surface conductivity of thin tablets of composites is studied by 4-probe technique. The magnitude of the pulsed magnetic field is 10 Tesla with time duration of 1.5 ms. The results show that after applying 30 magnetic pulses, the electrical resistivity of the composites decreases depending on the concentration of CNTs in the composites. The orientation of CNTs is probed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique. AFM images approved alignment of CNT–polymer fibres in the magnetic field. We found that the enhancement in the electrical properties of CNT–PPy composites is due to rearrangement and alignment of CNTs in a high magnetic field. The stability of nano-composites is studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.     

Additive manufacturing of CNTs/PLA composites and the correlation between microstructure and functional properties

Owing to the facile,low cost,rapid,personalization characters,3D printing method has been one of the most attractive additive manufacturing processes in medicine,airplane,packaging and printing areas.In this work,a series of carbon nanotubes/polylactic acid(CNTs/PLA) composites were prepared through the combination of molten co-extrusion and 3D printing processes.The orientation and dispersion of CNTs in PLA matrix were investigated to explore the impact of 3D printing process on the morphology of CNTs/PLA composites via transmission electron microscopy,field emission scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.X-ray diffractometer,differential scanning calorimetry,and thermal gravity analysis were employed to study the crystal structure and thermal properties of the composites.In addition,the electrical conductivity of the prepared specimen revealed that the orientation of CNTs in PLA might enhance the conductivity of the composite.It was found that 3D printing process was beneficial to increasing the purity of CNTs,electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of CNTs/PLA composites.     

Alternating Current Electric Flux Leakage Testing for Defect Detection and Characterization

This paper analyzes the inspection characteristics of the alternating current electric flux leakage (AC-EFL) testing method. Three specimens with different conductivity are prepared, and a series of experiments is carried out to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the AC-EFL method. For metal materials that carry an alternating current (AC), defect detection can be realized using both AC-EFL and electric current perturbation (ECP). However, the signal noise ratio (SNR) from using the AC-EFL method is lower than that obtained using the ECP method according to the experimental results obtained from an aluminum plate. For both the Ni–Zn ferrite specimens with very low conductivity and the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) specimens with low anisotropic conductivity, the ECP method failed to detect defects because of the weak disturbed magnetic field that was caused by the defects, whereas the AC-EFL method was able to realize the defect detection. These proof-of-concept experimental results indicate that compared to magnetic field testing method, the AC-EFL is more suitable for inspecting low-conductivity materials.     

Electric field-oriented growth of carbon nanotubes and Y-branches in a needle-pulsed arc discharge unit: mechanism of the production

Carbon nano-onions, multiwall carbon nanotubes and Y-branched nanotubes are synthesised in a simple production apparatus. A pulsed plasma is generated by discharging a high voltage needle pulse between two graphite electrodes. A strong electric field is presented along anode and cathode electrodes. The pulse width is 0.3 μs. Acetone vapour, as a precursor, is introduced to the plasma through a graphite nozzle in the cathode assembly. A magnetic field, perpendicular to the plasma path, is provided. The possibility of carbon nanotube production through a short-pulsed arc discharge technique is investigated in this article. The results show that adding an electric field between electrodes prevents carbon ions’ dispersion, facilitates charge transferring between ions and electrodes, orients the growth of carbon nanotubes along the applied electric field and finally makes it possible to produce functionalised carbon nanoparticles such as Y-branch nanotubes and nanoknees. In this work, the growth mechanism of carbon nanotubes in a needle-pulsed arc-discharge reactor is discussed. And a possible explanation is provided for the synthesis of Y-branch carbon nanotubes. The products are examined by using scanning probe microscopy technique.     

Single-walled carbon nanotube incorporated novel three phase carbon/epoxy composite with enhanced properties

In the present work, single-walled carbon nanotubes were dispersed within the matrix of carbon fabric reinforced epoxy composites in order to develop novel three phase carbon/epoxy/single-walled carbon nanotube composites. A combination of ultrasonication and high speed mechanical stirring at 2000 rpm was used to uniformly disperse carbon nanotubes in the epoxy resin. The state of carbon nanotube dispersion in the epoxy resin and within the nanocomposites was characterized with the help of optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Pure carbon/epoxy and three phase composites were characterized for mechanical properties (tensile and compressive) as well as for thermal and electrical conductivity. Fracture surfaces of composites after tensile test were also studied in order to investigate the effect of dispersed carbon nanotubes on the failure behavior of composites. Dispersion of only 0.1 wt% nanotubes in the matrix led to improvements of 95% in Young's modulus, 31% in tensile strength, 76% in compressive modulus and 41% in compressive strength of carbon/epoxy composites. In addition to that, electrical and thermal conductivity also improved significantly with addition of carbon nanotubes.     

Preparation polystyrene/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites by copolymerization of styrene and styryl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Styryl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (p-MWNTs) were prepared by esterification based on the carboxylate salt of carbon nanotubes and p-chloromethylstyrene in toluene. Then in situ radical copolymerization of p-MWNTs and styrene initiated by 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) was applied to synthesize composites of styryl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and polystyrene (PS) (p-MWNTs/PS). Characterizations carried out by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, UV–vis show that styryl group covalently bond to the surface of MWNTs. The results of UV showed that the solutions of p-MWNTs/PS in chloroform have the hyperchromic effect. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of p-MWNTs/PS composites and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of fracture surface of p-MWNTs/PS composites showed the functionalized nanotubes had a better dispersion than that of the unfunctionalized MWNTs in the matrix. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggested that the thermal stability of p-MWNTs/PS composites improved in the presence of MWNTs.     

Role of interfacial effects in carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite behavior

The interfacial effects are critical to understand the nanocomposite behavior based on polymer matrices. These effects are dependent upon the morphology of carbon nanotubes, the type of used polymer and the processing technique. Indeed, we show that the different parameters, as the eventual surfactant use, the ultrasonic treatment and shear mixing have to be carefully examined, in particular, for nanotube dispersion and their possible alignment. A series of multiwalled nanotubes (MWNT) have been mixed with a regular epoxy resin under a controlled way to prepare nanocomposites. The influence of nanotube content is examined through helium bulk density, glass transition temperature of the matrix and direct current electrical conductivity measurements. These results, including the value of the percolation threshold, are analyzed in relationship with the mesostructural organization of these nanotubes, which is observed by standard and conductive probe atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. The wrapping effect of the organic matrix along the nanotubes is evidenced and analyzed to get a better understanding of the final composite characteristics, in particular, for eventually reinforcing the matrix without covalent bonding.     

Dielectric properties of composite materials containing aligned carbon nanotubes

This paper presents a study of the electrodynamic properties of polymer-matrix composite materials containing a filler in the form of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. We have examined the effect of filler alignment in the composites on their interaction with electromagnetic radiation. The composite materials have an anisotropic electrical conductivity, dielectric permittivity, and electromagnetic radiation attenuation coefficient because an applied electric field produces a preferential filler alignment direction.     

Fabrication of conducting poly(3-thiophene boronic acid)-grafted multi-walled carbon nanotubes by oxidative polymerization

Composite materials of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and a conducting polymer, poly(3-thiophene boronic acid) (PTBA) were prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization of TBA in the presence of MWNTs and potassium dichromate. The MWNTs which were previously surface functionalized with acid chloride groups were reacted with TBA using a simple "chemical grafting" technique. It was observed that the nanotubes were dispersed uniformly in the pi-conjugated polymer matrix and entrapped by the polymer. The conductivity of the composites was higher than that of the pure polymer from a conventional four-probe technique, which indicates that the fabrication of MWNTs into the polymer matrix significantly improves the conductivity of the polymer due to the intrinsic properties of MWNTs.     

Tailoring the electrical properties of MWCNT/epoxy composites controlling processing conditions

The electrical percolation behavior of multiwall carbon nanotubes epoxy composites produced using sonication as dispersion process is studied. The electrical properties of the cured composites are related to the different internal carbon nanotube networks induced by the processing parameters. A fine tuning of the electrical conductivity is obtained by dispersing the nanotubes in the matrix and subsequently inducing agglomeration by curing at different temperatures. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the formed microstructures reveal a strict correlation between structural and electrical properties that suggests that agglomeration provides a higher electrical conductivity.