Towards multifunctional composites by carbon nanotubes-based nano/micro hybrid structures

International audiencePolymer composites with enhanced mechanical and functional properties are highly desired to develop light-weight function-integrated structures and devices. In this communication, we summarize some of our recent works concerning the development of multifunctional composites through nano/micro hybrid structures which consist of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and microparticles or long fibers. A variety of CNTs-based hybrid structures were realized by an in-situ chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using different micrometer substrates such as ceramic particles (Al2O3, SiC, BaTiO3⋯), graphite nanoplates and continuous fibers. The nanotube organisation state, aspect ratio, areal number density can be modulated by varying the CVD parameters, such as temperature, carbon source and hydrogen ratio. The hierarchical multifunctional composites were also prepared with the as-developed nano/micro hybrids. It was found that the interfacial/interphase properties between polymer matrix and microscopic reinforcement are greatly changed due to CNT grafting and modified interfacial area and interphase volume and property. The improved composite properties including mechanical, electrical and dielectric properties have been obtained due to ameliorated CNT dispersion and their arrangement in polymer matrix. The hybridization between CNTs and microparticles or long fibers shows huge potential to cost-effectively realize large-scale application of CNTs in the fields of structure health monitoring, electromagnetic shielding and absorption, lightning strike protection, de-icing, etc.Committee on Composite Materials. All rights reserved