High performance functional composites by in-situ orientation of carbon nanofillers

A simple route for the in-situ orientation of carbon nanofillers applied during the curing process of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CRFP) in a hot press, is demonstrated. Neat MWCNT, amine-functionalized MWCNT (MWCNT-NH2) and CNF were dispersed in an epoxy resin using a three-roll-mill (TRM) to ensure good dispersion. The process leads to a hierarchically structured functional composite where MWCNT/CNF are aligned in the z-direction (out-of-plane) of the carbon fiber plies, giving rise to improved mechanical and electrical performance. Our results demonstrate that aligned carbon nanofillers yield significantly more pronounced improvements than non-oriented fillers. An applicable processing route towards advanced functional composite materials with major practical importance is presented in this study.