Structure and properties of aeronautical composites using carbon nanotubes/epoxy dispersion as nanocomposite matrix

The structure and properties of hybrid multiscale composites containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was reported. CNTs were dispersed in epoxy by using high energy ultrasonication, followed by the fabrication of CNT hybrid composites via resin transfer molding (RTM) processing. The processability of CNTs/epoxy systems was explored by a capillary experiment. The dependences of mechanical and electrical properties of the hybrid composites on CNT content were investigated. Microscopic observation confirms the formation of CNTs percolation network. The different roles of CNT networks in mechanical reinforcement and electrical amelioration were analyzed. One explanation based on the dispersion and distribution of CNTs is proposed. It is found that the variations of the hybrid composites with respect to mechanical and electrical properties are attributed to the hierarchical structure in the hybrid composites. As far as the hybrid multiscale composites produced via RTM process is concerned, the formation of CNT percolation network, subjected to dynamic impregnation, is hindered by the presence of continuous fibrous reinforcement. The hierarchical structure influenced by several competing factors reveals great potential in being able to tailor the structural and functional performance of the CNT hybrid composites. The effects of CNTs on the dimensional stability of polymer based composites are also assessed. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1690–1697, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers