Fabrication of functional hybrid carbon fiber-reinforced plastics with imparted surface concentrated electrical conductivity via multi-drop filling

Abstract

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) have attracted attention as lightweight materials with exceptional properties, making them suitable for applications in industries where enhanced fuel efficiency and vibration-damping effects are required. However, as CFRP applications expand beyond the mobility sector, the demand for additional functionalities, particularly electrical conductivity, has emerged. In this study, we employed a multi-drop filling process (MDF) to produce hybrid CFRP with imparted electrical conductivity. This approach enables precise resin drop and simultaneous curing, addressing the challenges associated with conventional CFRP production processes. Based on filtering effects during MDF, additives, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, could concentrate on the surface while resin impregnated the fiber reinforcement, resulting in CFRP with surface-concentrated electrical conductivity (ScEC). We dispersed CNTs and graphene in the resin to induce a bridge effect between the additives. Resin dispersion was achieved using surfactants and solvents, preserving the enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the CFRP. The structure, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of the fabricated CFRP were evaluated. The results show that the hybrid CFRPs possess the intended structure and exhibit ScEC. This study paves the way for the fabrication of CFRPs with different functionalities, thereby promoting their applications in various industries.

Graphical abstract