Hierarchical carbon nanotube-alumina oxide fiber reinforced composites and oxide hydration kinetics

Published

February 25, 2018

Author(s)

Ajay Krishnamurthy, Andrew Liotta, Brian L. Wardle, Aaron M. Forster

Abstract

The growth of carbon nanotubes directly from fiber surfaces has led to new concepts for fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRP) that are conductive, thermally conductive, and more resistant to shear failure. The durability of these materials is not well understood. Ceramic alumina microfibers serve as a model platform for studying the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of fibers modified using. Hierarchical FRPs utilize chemical vapor deposition processing to grow dense, highly aligned forests of carbon nanotubes (CNT) from the oxide fiber surfaces. The alumina fibers are available in similar weaves used for glass and carbon reinforcements, in addition they can withstand the CVD process with no loss in mechanical strength of the fibers. In traditional FRP composites, small molecules bonded to fiber surfaces are well known to increase fiber-matrix interface strength and composite performance. The presence of a CNT sizing layer on the fiber surface presents a unique challenge for understanding the role of interface structure on durability in these hierarchical systems. In this work, alumina oxide fibers, non-treated and exposed to the CVD process, are immersed in deionized water at 60 C. The hydration of the alumina fibers proceeds at a rapid rate converting the surface of the Al2O3 in as little as 24 hours. The extent of reaction was monitored using FTIR-ATR, SEM, and TGA. The control alumina fibers convert to pseudo-Boehmite and then to boehmite in this aggressive environment. We find that the CVD process alters the water absorption of the alumina fibers. The result is the conversion of the alumina along a parallel path to Bayerite. We will describe how the CVD process alters the fiber surface that mitigates the alumina hydration process.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of the 41st Annual Adhesion Society Meeting

Conference Dates

February 25-March 1, 2018

Conference Location

San Diego, CA, US

Conference Title

6th World Congress on Adhesion and Related Phenomena In conjunction with 41st Annual Meeting The
Adhesion Society

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

nanocomposites, carbon nanotube, fiber reinforced composite, ageing

Citation

Krishnamurthy, A. , Liotta, A. , Wardle, B. and Forster, A. (2018), Hierarchical carbon nanotube-alumina oxide fiber reinforced composites and oxide hydration kinetics, Proceedings of the 41st Annual Adhesion Society Meeting, San Diego, CA, US (Accessed May 6, 2024)