Ceramic matrix composites containing carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Due to the remarkable physical and mechanical properties of individual, perfect carbon nanotubes (CNTs), they are considered to be one of the most promising new reinforcements for structural composites. Their impressive electrical and thermal properties also suggest opportunities for multifunctional applications. In the context of inorganic matrix composites, researchers have particularly focussed on CNTs as toughening elements to overcome the intrinsic brittleness of the ceramic or glass material. Although there are now a number of studies published in the literature, these inorganic systems have received much less attention than CNT/polymer matrix composites. This paper reviews the current status of the research and development of CNT-loaded ceramic matrix composite materials. It includes a summary of the key issues related to the optimisation of CNT-based composites, with particular reference to brittle matrices and provides an overview of the processing techniques developed to 2 optimise dispersion quality, interfaces and density. The properties of the various composite systems are discussed, with an emphasis on toughness; a comprehensive comparative summary is provided, together with a discussion of the possible toughening mechanism that may operate. Lastly, a range of potential applications are discussed, concluding with a discussion of the scope for future developments in the field.3

Structural health monitoring capabilities in ceramic–carbon nanocomposites

“…As reported in a review paper by Cho et al [10] and observed in this work, the electrical conductivity of CNT loaded systems tends to be approximately one to two orders of magnitude higher than that of carbon black composites, due to the higher intrinsic conductivity of CNTs and the much higher connectivity of the network. In this context, the high axial electrical conductivity of CNT and GNP not only offers the potential for fabricating conducting ceramics but also responsive ceramic systems.…”

“…Composite materials, filled with carbon nanofillers, are being researched for emerging applications like energy, transportation, defence, automotive, aerospace, sporting goods, and infrastructure sectors [9]. Particularly among ceramic based materials, CNTs have been reported to significantly improve mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of the ceramic nanocomposites [10]. For polymeric systems, carbon nanofillers have also proved to be very attractive because they offer structural damage sensing ability and the subject has been widely investigated [11][12][13][14][15][16][17].…”

Micromechanics of fracturing in nanoceramics

“…Note that CNTs are characterized by similar superior values of strength and elastic moduli, as with pristine graphene [21][22][23]. With these remarkable mechanical characteristics of CNTs, ceramic-CNTs nanocomposites show excellent mechanical properties [21][22][23].…”

“…reviews [21][22][23][24] and original research papers [5][6][7]12]). Such nanocomposites typically (but not always) contain carbon nanoinclusions at GBs (figure 2) [21][22][23][24][25].…”

“…With these remarkable mechanical characteristics of CNTs, ceramic-CNTs nanocomposites show excellent mechanical properties [21][22][23]. More than that, in the first decade of the twenty-first century, ceramic-CNTs nanocomposites were viewed as the most promising ceramic materials for structural applications [21][22][23]. In recent years, however, graphene inclusions in the forms of multilayer graphene and GO platelets/sheets have been recognized as the most effective reinforcing fillers that dramatically enhance fracture toughness (and moderately improve strength) of ceramic-matrix composites [2,25,[46][47][48][49][50][51][52].…”