Development of carbon nanofibre incorporated three phase carbon/epoxy composites with enhanced mechanical, electrical and thermal properties

Vapour-grown carbon nanofibres (CNFs) were dispersed in the matrix of carbon fabric reinforced epoxy composites in order to develop carbon/epoxy/CNF three phase composites. A detailed investigation was carried out on the various techniques for dispersing CNFs in an epoxy resin such as ultrasonication, high speed mechanical stirring and the use of solvent, surfactant and higher temperature. An appropriate dispersion technique was selected based on the extent of CNF dispersion and its effect on the mechanical properties of CNF/epoxy two phase composites. Dispersion of only 0.5 wt.% vapour-grown CNF in the matrix using the optimized dispersion route resulted in significant improvement in the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of three phase composites.