The introduction of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into conventional fibre-reinforced polymer composites creates a hierarchical reinforcement structure and can significantly improve composite performance. This paper reviews the progress to date towards the creation of fibre reinforced (hierarchical) nanocomposites and assesses the potential for a new generation of advanced multifunctional materials. Two alternative strategies for forming CNT-based hierarchical composites are contrasted, the dispersion of CNTs into the composite matrix and their direct attachment onto the primary fibre surface. The implications of each approach for composite processing and performance are discussed, along with a summary of the measured improvements in the mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the resulting hierarchical composites.

Carbon nanotube-based hierarchical composites: a review

Carbon fiber surfaces and composite interphases

An assessment of the science and technology of carbon nanotube-based fibers and composites

Recent advances in fiber/matrix interphase engineering for polymer composites

Interlaminar and intralaminar reinforcement of composite laminates with aligned carbon nanotubes

https://case.edu/cse/eche/daigroup/Journal%20Articles/2009/Sager-2009-Effect%20of%20carbon%20nano.pdf

Effect of carbon nanotubes on the interfacial shear strength of T650 carbon fiber in an epoxy matrix

https://case.edu/cse/eche/daigroup/Journal%20Articles/2009/Zhang-2009-Hierarchical%20composites.pdf

Hierarchical composites of carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber : Influence of growth condition on fiber tensile properties

The Mode I interlaminar fracture behavior of woven carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates incorporating partially cured carbon nanotube/epoxy composite films has been investigated. Laminates with films containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the as-received state and functionalized with polyamidoamine were evaluated, as well as laminates with neat epoxy films. Double-cantilever beam (DCB) specimens were used to measure GIc, the critical strain energy release rate (fracture toughness) versus crack length. Post-fracture microscopic inspection of the fracture surfaces was performed. Results show that initial fracture toughness was improved with the amino-functionalized CNT/epoxy interleaf films, but the important factor appears to be the polyamidoamine functionalization, not the CNTs. The initial fracture toughness remained relatively unaffected with the incorporation of neat epoxy and as-received CNT/epoxy interleaf films. Plateau fracture toughness was unchanged with the use of functionalized CNT/epoxy interleaf films, and was reduced with the use of neat epoxy and as-received CNT/epoxy interleaf films. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

Interlaminar fracture toughness of woven fabric composite laminates with carbon nanotube/epoxy interleaf films

The Mode I interlaminar fracture behavior of four-harness satin orthogonal woven carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates incorporating carbon nanotube/epoxy composite films has been investigated. The objective was to compare results for laminates with films containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the as-received state and after oxidation. Laminates incorporating neat epoxy films were also evaluated. Double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens were used for the measurement of GIC , the critical strain energy release rate (fracture toughness), and the generation of resistance curves. Post-fracture microscopic inspection of the fracture surfaces was performed to determine crack paths and crack morphology. It was found that the fracture toughness of laminates incorporating the films (with and without CNTs) was reduced. This effect was attributed to the thicker mid-plane interlaminar epoxy layer created by the films.

Ryan Sager

Papers

Effect of carbon nanotubes on the interfacial shear strength of T650 carbon fiber in an epoxy matrix

Hierarchical composites of carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber : Influence of growth condition on fiber tensile properties

Interlaminar fracture toughness of woven fabric composite laminates with carbon nanotube/epoxy interleaf films

Fracture Toughness of Woven Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Laminates with Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Thin Films