A review: carbon nanotubes composite to enhance thermal & electrical properties for the space applications

ABSTRACT

The high specific stiffness materials are used to design the space payload components. These components should sustain the extreme environmental condition throughout their life cycle without failure. The prerequisites of future space missions need lightweight materials which must be mechanically strong and high thermal and electrically conductive. The Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are efficient filler material in composite or metal matrix to enhance greater electrical and thermal conductivity. The quality of the CNT nano composite relies upon several parameters like the types of CNTs, its purity, aspect ratio, amount of loading, alignment, and interfacial adhesion between the nanotube and polymer. The performance of the CNT-CFRP composite depends on the successful execution of the processing technique. This review paper intends to highlight the enhancement of the mechanical, thermal, electrical properties of the composite, and the challenges to achieving it. This review paper helps to optimise the process parameters to fabricate Space Payload Components, required to replace existing high-density Space Qualified Materials. This review paper should help optimize the process parameters to fabricate Space Payload Components, which can be excellent alternatives to the existing high-density Space Qualified Materials without making any compromise on the performance index.

KEYWORDS:

• Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
• CNT composite
• dispersion
• thermal properties
• electrical properties
• space applications

Disclosure statement

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

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dhaval A. Vartak

Dhaval A. Vartak, Scientist/Engineer, Space applications Centre.

Yogesh Ghotekar

Yogesh Ghotekar, Scientist/Engineer, Space applications Centre.

Pina M. Bhatt

Pina M. Batt, Principal, Silver Oak college of engineering & Technology.

Bharat Makwana

Bharat Makwana, HOD, Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya, Gandhinagar.

HN Shah

HN Shah, Director, Gandhinagar Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar.

JA Vadher

JA Vadher, Professor, & HOD Goverment Engineering College, Palanpur, India.