Multiscale hybrid CNT and CF reinforced PEEK composites with enhanced EMI properties

Figures & data

Figure 1. Preparation process of multiscale hybrid MWCNT/CF/PEEK laminates.

Figure 2. Temperature and pressure profile for compression moulding of MWCNT/CF/PEEK composite samples.

Figure 3. (a, a′) TEM images of MWCNTs used in this study; SEM images of MWCNTs distribution on the prepreg surface: (b, b′) 0.0 g/m²; (c, c′) 0.5 g/m²; (d, d′) 1.5 g/m²; (e, e′) 2.5 g/m²; (f, f′) 4.5 g/m².

Figure 4. Mechanical properties of MWCNT/CF/PEEK laminates: (a) tensile strength; (b) elastic modulus; (c) flexural strength; (d) flexural modulus. Note: the solid triangle indicates the improvement in relevant property compared to that of untreated CF/PEEK composites.

Figure 5. SEM images of tensile fracture surface of the laminates: (a) 0.0 g/m²; (b) 0.5 g/m²; (c) 1.5 g/m²; (d) 2.5 g/m²; (e) 4.5 g/m².

Figure 6. Electrical conductivity of MWCNT/CF/PEEK composites as a function of MWCNT content. Note: the solid triangle indicates the improvement in the conductivity compared to that of untreated CF/PEEK composites.

Table 1. Electrical conductivity of MWCNT/CF/PEEK composites as a function of MWCNT loading expressed in terms of g/m² and wt.% at the interface.

Interlaminar MWCNT loading (g/m^2)	Total mass fraction (wt.%)	Electrical conductivity (S/cm)
0.0	0	6.46
0.5	0.11	8.35
1.5	0.32	8.90
2.5	0.53	10.87
4.5	0.96	10.45

Figure 7. (a) Total shielding effectiveness SE_T of MWCNT/CF/PEEK composites in the whole X-band; (b) Average SE_A, SE_R and SE_T values of MWCNT/CF/PEEK laminates.

Table 2. EMI SE comparison of nanofiller reinforced polymer composites in X band.

Processing method	Sample thickness (mm)	Filler/matrix	Mass fraction (wt.%)*	EMI SE (dB)	Specific SE (dB mm^−1)	Tensile strength (MPa)	Ref.
Spray-Hot pressing	1.7	CF/MWCNT	60/0.53	43.2	25.4	723	This work
Melt blending	2.0	MWCNT	12	55	27.5	91	[19]
Melt blending	2.0	BaTiO3	18	11	/	/	[34]
Melt extrusion	0.18	MWCNT	9	10.5	58.3	101	[18]
Melt extrusion	0.50	MWCNT/Fe3O4	9/4	27.2	54.4	117	[16]
Electroplating-Melt extrusion	0.6	Ni-CF	40	29	/	/	[33]
Compression moulding	2.5	GNP/CLF	2.5/9	27.1	/	/	[15]
Ultrasonic dispersion-spraying	1.0	CNF (or CNT)	20 (or 5)	19.8 (or 24.1)	19.8 (or 24.1)	/	[35]
Dry spray deposition	0.5	CNT/CF	2.5 (g/m^2) Unspecified fibre content	53	106	/	[29]
Sonication-mechanical mixing method	0.5	MWCNT/CF	1/50	60	120	/	[32]
Chenmical vapor deposition	2	MWCNT/CF	3/27 (vol.%)	51.1	25.5	/	[36]

^* Note the filler content expressed as g/m² or vol.% in some literature was specified in brackets.

Figure 8. DMA results of MWCNT/CF/PEEK laminates with different MWCNT loading: (a) storage modulus G′ and (b) Tan δ.

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