Hierarchical epoxy based composites prepared by chemical vapor deposition of carbon nanocoils on glass fibers

ABSTRACT

The objective of this work was to grow carbon nanocoils (CNCs) on the glass fiber (GF) surface by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and to prepare laminated composites by hand lay-Up, where CNC-coated GF is reinforcing phase. Spring-like CNCs were obtained at 600°C, whereas single helix CNCs were found over the glass fiber surface at 700°C. The presence of CNCs on the GF surface was confirmed using SEM analysis, TEM analysis, I–V analysis, etc. The CNC- coated GF-based epoxy composites were characterized for their mechanical properties. C₇G_E specimen showed lower mechanical properties compared to the GF epoxy specimens, while C₆G_E composite exhibited the best properties. Flexural strength and flexural modulus improved by about 35%, 56%, respectively, and storage modulus and glass transition temperature also increased by about 42% and 11%, respectively, compared to GF/epoxy specimen. SEM images exhibit good interaction between epoxy and GF when GF is modified by 600°C CNC.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Carbon nanocoils
• glass fiber
• epoxy resin
• scanning electron microscopy
• dynamic mechanical analysis

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by Department of Science and Technology, India, for carrying out this research work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).