A Novel Manufacturing Method for Carbon Nanotube/Aramid Fiber Filled Hybrid Multi-component Composites

Abstract

A novel manufacturing method for hybrid composites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and aramid fibers is proposed. To disperse the CNTs in the epoxy matrix with the presence of aramid fibers, CNT/polyethyleneoxide (PEO) composites are prepared and utilized because PEO is miscible in the epoxy resin. After thin films are made of the CNT/PEO composite and placed together with the aramid fibers, the epoxy resin is infused to them. The PEO is dissolved in the epoxy and then the CNTs are dispersed in the PEO/epoxy matrix between aramid fibers before the pre-heated matrix is cured. It is found that the PEO is completely miscible with the epoxy resin and CNTs are dispersed well in the space between the aramid fibers.