A Perspective on High-performance CNT fibres for Structural Composites

• Main Authors: Mikhalchan, A, Vilatela, J. J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 28-04-2020
• Subjects: Physics - Applied Physics; Physics - Materials Science
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2004.13352

Carbon 150 (2019) 191-215 This review summarizes progress on structural composites with carbon nanotube
fibres. It starts by analyzing their development towards a macroscopic ensemble
of elongated and aligned crystalline domains, alongside the evolution of the
structure of traditional high-performance fibres. Literature on tensile
properties suggests that there are two emerging grades: highly aligned fibres
spun from liquid crystalline solutions, with high modulus and strength, and
spun from aerogels of ultra long-nanotubes, combining high strength and
fracture energy. The fabrication of large unidirectional fabrics with similar
properties as the fibres is presently a challenge, which CNT alignment
remaining a key factor. A promising approach is to produce fabrics directly
from aerogel filaments without having to densify and handle individual CNT
fibres. Structural composites of CNT fibres have reached high longitudinal
properties, however, on relatively small samples. In general, there is need to
demonstrate fabrication of large CNT fibre laminate composites using standard
fabrication routes and to study longitudinal and transverse mechanical
properties in tension and compression. Complementary areas of development are
interlaminar reinforcement with CNT fabric interleaves, and multifunctional
structural composites with energy storage or harvesting functions.