Construction of graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes/silver nanowires “three-in-one” multicomponent synergistic network to enhance the mechanical and thermal conductivity of carbon fibre composites

Abstract

Materials with excellent mechanical properties and thermal conductivity effects are necessary for the preparation of wind turbine blades and spacecraft that dissipate heat well. Hence, we utilized polydopamine (PDA) as a precursor to graft carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) on the surface of carbon fibres (CFs), while silver nanowires (AgNWs) were employed to modify the resin for preparing CF composites with excellent mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. This “three-in-one” multiscale synergistic structure not only boosts chemical reaction activity and contact area on the fibre surface, but it also expands the interphase area for stress transport. The 3D hybrid structure of GO/CNT forms a stable interconnected nanofiller network with AgNWs in the modified resin, promoting the formation of stronger mechanical interlocking among fibers and matrix. Moreover, GO/CNT and AgNWs promote the formation of thermal conductive pathways between the fibers and resins. Compared to the untreated CF composites, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS), interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength, flexural modulus and thermal conductivity of the composites were increased by 67.5 %, 50.5 %, 68.0 %, 75.4 % and 97.1 %, respectively. This research presents an innovative approach to fabricate CF composites with excellent mechanical strength and thermal conductivity.