Effect of Paper or Silver Nanowires-Loaded Paper Interleaves on the Electrical Conductivity and Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Composites

Abstract

Abstract:The effect of plant-fiber paper or silver nanowires-loaded paper interleaves on the electrical conductivity and interlaminar fracture toughness of composites was studied. Highly conductive paper was prepared by surface-loaded silver nanowires. The percolation threshold appeared at about 0.4 g/m 2 . The surface resistivity reached 2.3 Ω/sq when the areal density of silver nanowires was 0.95 g/m 2 . After interleaving the conductive papers in the composite interlayers, in-plane electrical conductivity perpendicular to the fiber direction was increased by 171 times and conductivity through thickness direction was increased by 2.81 times. However, Mode I and Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness decreased by 67.3% and 66.9%, respectively. Microscopic analysis showed that the improvement of conductivity was attributable to the formation of an electrical conducting network of silver nanowires which played a role in electrical connection of carbon fiber plies and the interleaving layers. However, the density of the highly packed flat plant fibers impeded the infiltration of resin. The parallel distribution of flat fibers to the carbon plies, and poor resin-fiber interface made the interlaminar fracture occur mainly at the interface of plant fibers and resin inside the interleaves, resulting in a decline of the interlaminar fracture toughness. The surface-loading of silver nanowires further impeded the infiltration of resin in the densely packed plant fibers, resulting in further decline of the fracture toughness.

Improving through‐thickness conductivity of carbon fiber reinforced polymer using carbon nanotube/polyethylenimine at the interlaminar region

“…These results are hardly surprising as in the literature, many through‐thickness conductivity studies reported significant reduction of mechanical properties 36,53–61 (or did not report on mechanical properties 3,62–66 ).…”

Methods of modifying through-thickness electrical conductivity of CFRP for use in structural health monitoring, and its effect on mechanical properties – A review

“…Work has been carried out that considers both the through-thickness conductivity and the interlaminar fracture toughness, with some work succeeding in maintaining or improving the interlaminar fracture toughness whilst also improving the conductivity [4,9,73]. The work of Guo and Yi [36] gives a novel approach, with the use of AgNW coated paper interleaves as a means of conductivity improvement. Most of the work done has used polymer or carbon based interleaves.…”

“…The decrease in the conductivity due to the PEK-C interleave was partially mitigated with the AgNW coating of the PEK-C interleaves. The use of (AgNW) loaded paper interleaves by Guo and Yi [36] produced results showing improved through-thickness electrical conductivity, but also reduced mechanical performance due to poor interfacial bonding. The baseline composite consisted of UD carbon fibre fabric (UC3160 CCF 300, 3K) with epoxy resin (3226 AVIC Composites Tehnology Co., Ltd).…”

“…Novel solutions have been developed, such as a polyaniline/divinylbenzene layer [7], and cold metal spray coating methods [35] etc. [36].…”

Special Issue “ECO-COMPASS: Ecological and Multifunctional Composites for Application in Aircraft Interior and Secondary Structures”

“…Dong et al [7] performed cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) study to demonstrate the possible advantages of ramie fibre on environmental impacts and to provide fundamental data for the further assessment of ramie fibre reinforced polymers (RFRP) and its structures. Guo et al [8] studied the effect of plant-fibre paper or silver nanowires-loaded paper interleaves on the electrical conductivity and interlaminar fracture toughness of composites. Experimental data show an increase in electrical conductivity and a decrease in interlaminar fracture toughness.…”