ISSN 0004-881X

Characterisation of Carbon Nanotube Modified Polymer-Ceramic Composites

by A. N. Rider¹, E. S-Y. Yeo¹, N. Brack² , B. Halstead² and P. J. Pigram²

1) Defence Science and Technology Organisation, 506 Lorimer St, Fisherman's Bend, Victoria, Australia, 3207
2) Centre for Materials and Surface Science, Department of Physics, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia, 3086

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been grown on quartz and alumina substrates using catalytically reactive chemical vapour deposition. Reaction durations of varying times up to 1 hour have been examined. Whilst growth throughout the large scale reactor was uniform in the thermal decomposition region, the mass of MWNTs increased logarithmically with time. Flatwise tension testing of MWNT coated substrates bonded with epoxy adhesive measured the strength of the MWNT to substrate interface. Work also examined the effect of the thermal environment used during MWNT growth on the mechanical properties of the glass and alumina fibres used in the composite laminates. The relative performance of MWNT modified polymer-ceramic composites is discussed in terms of the relative adhesion of the MWNTs and the effect of the heat treatment on the alumina and quartz substrates.

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