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Fabrication, Densification, and Replica Molding of 3D Carbon Nanotube Microstructures
Published on: July 2, 2012
Multi-walled carbon nanotube-based carbon/carbon composites with three-dimensional network structures
Yuguang Jin1, Yingying Zhang, Qiang Zhang
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Reaction Engineering and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Nanoscale
|June 5, 2013
Summary
This study fabricated advanced carbon/carbon composites using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and pyrolytic carbon. The resulting materials show significantly enhanced mechanical and electrical properties, demonstrating a promising new composite structure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Carbon/carbon composites offer excellent properties but require improved structural integrity.
- Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) provide a robust framework for advanced materials.
- Enhancing the interfacial connection between MWCNTs is crucial for superior composite performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate MWCNT-based carbon/carbon composites with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties.
- To investigate the effect of pyrolytic carbon infiltration on MWCNT network structure.
- To analyze the microstructural changes and property improvements after high-temperature annealing.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of MWCNT blocks via pre-compression.
- Chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) of pyrolytic carbon into MWCNT blocks.
- Characterization of mechanical properties (deformation, strength, modulus, energy absorption).
- Measurement of electrical conductivity.
- High-temperature vacuum annealing at 1800 °C.
Main Results:
- Pyrolytic carbon infiltration created a 3D network, improving MWCNT connections.
- Mechanical properties significantly enhanced: 10.9% deformation, 148.6 MPa strength, 1588.6 MPa modulus, 13.8 kJ/kg energy absorption.
- Electrical conductivity increased over 10-fold to 204.4 S/cm.
- Annealing improved graphitization and MWCNT wall structure.
Conclusions:
- CVI of pyrolytic carbon effectively enhances MWCNT-based composites.
- The fabricated composites exhibit superior mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.
- High-temperature annealing further refines the structure, optimizing material performance.
