Chitosan-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulating spread carbon fiber composites with superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties

• Published in: Composites science and technology Vol. 230; p. 109755
• Main Authors: Zhang, Cheng, Zhang, Xueqin, Ling, Youquan, Liang, Mei, Zou, Huawei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 10.11.2022
• Subjects: CFRP composites; Encapsulation; Mechanical properties; Multilayer interfaces; Spread tow; Encapsulation; Mechanical properties; CFRP composites; Spread tow; Multilayer interfaces
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2022.109755

The spread-tow thin-ply technology is a development to promote the large-scale production of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite materials. Commercial CF bundles (width 7 mm) were spread to ultrathin CF (width 24 mm) to explore the effect of spreading CF tow on the properties of the CFRP composites. Next, chitosan (CS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to construct a multilayer structure on the surface of the spread CF to improve the mechanical properties of the CFRP composites. The transverse fiber bundle test tensile strength, interlaminar shear strength, and compressive strength of the CS-doped CNT CFRP composites increased by 44.93%, 50.83%, and 36.85%, respectively, compared with the original CFRP composites. Furthermore, the thermal diffusivity of the spreading CFRP composite was increased by 92.59%, showing good thermal conductivity. The resistivity along the fiber direction and the thickness direction of the spreading CFRP composite decreased by 38.32% and 18.39%, respectively. A green and non-destructive method is provided for the surface modification of ultra-thin CF, which can effectively optimize the interface properties of the CFRP composites. This work expands the functional application of ultrathin CF. [Display omitted] •Commercial carbon fiber (CF) bundles (width 7 mm) were spread to ultrathin CF (width 24 mm).•Chitosan (CS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to construct a multilayer structure on the surface of the spread CF.•The TFBT strength, ILSS, and compressive strength of the CF24-CS-CNTs CFRPs composites increased by 44.93%, 50.83%, and 36.85%, respectively.•Spreading CFRP composites exhibit excellent thermal diffusivity and low resistivity.•A green and non-destructive method is provided for surface modification of ultra-thin CF.