Citation:
Elisabete F. Reia da Costa, Alexandros A. Skordos, Ivana K. Partridge, Amir Rezai. RTM processing and electrical performance of carbon nanotube modified epoxy/
fibre composites. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, Volume 43, Issue 4, April 2012, Pages 593-602.
Abstract:
This investigation focuses on nanoparticle filtration in the processing of
multiscale carbon and glass fibre composites via resin transfer moulding.
Surface modified and unmodified carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into a
commercial epoxy resin. The dispersion quality was evaluated using electrical
measurements of the liquid suspensions. The manufacturing process was adapted to
the challenges posed by the modified rheological behaviour of the CNT loaded
resin. Nanoparticle filtration was observed; with some of the unmodified systems
following so called ‘cake filtration' behaviour. This resulted in nonlinear flow
behaviour that deviated from the ideal response observed in RTM filling in
conventional composites. The electrical conductivity of relatively high fibre
volume fraction multiscale carbon and glass laminates increased by less than an
order of magnitude with the addition of the nanotube
