Advanced carbon nanotube reinforced multi-scale composites

Multi-scale composites are the latest generation of advanced nanocomposites which have been developed using reinforcements from two or more different length scales (i.e. macro, micro or nano). Multi-scale composites developed using carbon nanotube (CNT) are multi-functional in nature and provide various attractive properties such as excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, piezoresistivity and self-sensing behaviour, low co-efficient of thermal expansion, etc. along with improved delamination resistance, in-plane mechanical properties and toughness. Due to these interesting features these materials are drawing tremendous attention of scientists worldwide and are the subject of numerous scientific investigations. However, successful fabrication of these composites is highly challenging due to CNT agglomeration and dispersion problems. In this context, the present chapter discusses about the various types of CNT based multi-scale composites (based on thermosetting matrix), their fabrication techniques, challenges, CNT dispersion techniques, and applications.