

CNT Coating for Multiscale Carbon Fibre Composites
Abstract
In recent years Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been found to be have extraordinary effects on the properties of composite structures. Generally the most desired properties for composites are toughness and hardness and recently a number of studies have focused on the enhancement of interfacial bonding between composite fibres and polymer matrix material in order to increase the mechanical properties of the final laminate This paper reports on two different techniques for the coating of traditional carbon fabrics with nanotubes to enhance the interaction between constituent fibre yarns. In the first technique CNTs were dispersed in a range of solvents via ultrasonic mixing and then either sputtered onto the fibres using a modified spray-gun or alternatively applied to the fibres using a pipette. A second batch of solutions was prepared dispersing CNTs in the same solvents with the addition of Gum Arabic to the formulation. The use of Gum Arabic leads to the creation of a continuous film, which allows nanotubes to completely cover the fabric surfaces and to bridge larger gaps between the fibre yarns. In addition, Gum Arabic is able to exfoliate and stabilizes the nanotubes in solution increasing their shelf-life.