Tailoring Carbon Fiber/Carbon Nanotubes Interface to Optimize Mechanical Properties of Cf‐CNTs/SiC Composites. Issue 2 (12th April 2013) - Hu, Jianbao
Abstract Cf/SiC composites were fabricated using fiber coatings including CNTs and matrix infiltration using the polymer impregnation and pyrolysis process. Interface between fiber and CNTs (CF/CNTs) was tailored to optimize mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The tailored interphases, such as Pyrocarbon (PyC) and PyC/SiC, protect fibers from degradation during the growth of CNTs successfully. Hybrid composites with well‐tailored CF/CNTs interface displayed significantly increased mechanical strength (352 ± 21 MPa) compared with that (34 ± 3 MPa) of composites reinforced with CNTs, which grown on carbon fibers directly. The interfacial bonding strength of hybrid composites was improved and optimized by tailoring the CF/CNTs interface. Interfacial failure modes were studied, and a firm interface bonding at the joint where CNTs grown was observed.