Fabrication and Characterization of Well Dispersed Carbon Nanotubes/ Coaltar-Pitch Composites

摘要

Structure of carbon nanotubes offers tremendous potential for their applications as reinforcement for improving the mechanical, thermal and impact resistant properties of advanced composite materials. As theoretically anticipated, the tensile strength and modulus of the Single walled carbon nanotubes are about 200 Gpa and 1 TPa respectively. However, in order to realize realistic property translation into matrix various factors such as dispersion and wetting of nanotubes with the matrix should play a crucial role. The paper presents results of various techniques followed to disperse the nanotubes, produced at NPL by DC arc discharge technique, in the pitch matrix, their surface treatment to improve adhesion with the matrix etc. The as reinforced pitch was drawn into fibres and moulded into composites of size 50 mm x 5 mm x 2 mm. Effect of reinforcement in the composite was determined by mechanical testing.