title: Tailoring Interfacial Properties by Controlling Carbon Nanotube Coating Thickness on Glass Fibers Using Electrophoretic Deposition.
abstract: The electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method was used to deposit polyethylenimine (PEI) functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (CNT) films onto the surface of individual S-2 glass fibers. By varying the processing parameters of EPD following Hamaker's equation, the thickness of the CNT film was controlled over a wide range from 200 nm to 2 μm. The films exhibited low electrical resistance, providing evidence of coating uniformity and consolidation. The effect of the CNT coating on fiber matrix interfacial properties was investigated through microdroplet experiments. Changes in interfacial properties due to application of CNT coatings onto the fiber surface with and without a CNT-modified matrix were studied. A glass fiber with a 2 μm thick CNT coating and the unmodified epoxy matrix showed the highest increase (58%) in interfacial shear strength (IFSS) compared to the baseline. The increase in the IFSS was proportional to CNT film thickness. Failure analysis of the microdroplet specimens indicated higher IFSS was related to fracture morphologies with higher levels of surface roughness. EPD enables the thickness of the CNT coating to be adjusted, facilitating control of fiber/matrix interfacial resistivity. The electrical sensitivity provides the opportunity to fabricate a new class of sizing with tailored interfacial properties and the ability to detect damage initiation.
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tamrakar
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: An
authors.forename: Erik T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Thostenson
authors.affiliation: Defence Science and Technology Organization, Fisherman's Bend, Melbourne, Victoria 3207, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Rider
authors.forename: Bazle Z Gama
authors.initials: BZ
authors.lastname: Haque
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Gillespie
keywords: electrophoretic deposition; glass fiber; interface; microdroplet; multiwall carbon nanotubes