Composite material, method for producing same, and method for producing reinforcing fiber base material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon fiber-reinforced molded articles require enhanced mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, necessitating a composite material that further leverages the properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
Innovation Solution
A composite material is developed with bent-shaped CNTs forming a network structure on a carbon fiber base, where a carbodiimide-derived cross-linking agent is used to strengthen the adhesion between CNTs, creating a robust network that enhances mechanical and electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If carbon nanotubes are adhered to carbon fiber surfaces to enhance mechanical and electrical properties, then the composite material achieves improved strength and conductivity, but the CNTs tend to peel off from the fiber surfaces, reducing the effectiveness of the enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a sizing agent to the carbon fiber base material before adhering the carbon nanotubes. This preliminary action modifies the surface properties of the carbon fibers, creating a more effective bonding interface that prevents subsequent peeling of the CNTs while maintaining their adhesion for mechanical and electrical enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sizing agent acts as an intermediary substance between the carbon fiber base material and the carbon nanotubes. It facilitates strong adhesion between these two components, ensuring that the CNTs remain firmly attached to the fiber surfaces and effectively transfer mechanical and electrical properties without peeling off.
2Reliability
If a network structure of carbon nanotubes is formed on the base material surface to improve electrical and thermal conductivity, then the conductivity properties are enhanced, but the structural complexity increases making production more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base material surface is pre-treated with a sizing agent before CNT deposition. This preliminary surface modification creates optimal conditions for forming a uniform, well-adhered CNT network structure, reducing production difficulties while achieving the desired conductive network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies surface parameters of the base material through sizing agent treatment, changing surface energy, roughness, or chemical composition. These parameter changes facilitate the formation of a uniform CNT network structure with improved electrical and thermal conductivity while simplifying the overall production process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in improved mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity by ensuring strong adhesion and reduced peeling of CNTs from the carbon fibers, leading to enhanced performance in carbon fiber-reinforced molded articles.
Implementation Method 1
cross-links the carbon nanotubes which are in direct contact with each other by a carbodiimide-derived structure obtained by reaction between a functional group of the carbon nanotubes and a carbodiimide group
Implementation Method 2
a dispersion in which a plurality of carbon nanotubes having a bent shape with a bent portion are dispersed and to which ultrasonic vibration is applied to adhere the plurality of carbon nanotubes to the base material
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material includes: a base material; a structure which includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes having a bent shape with a bent portion, forms a network structure including a contact portion where the carbon nanotubes are in direct contact with each other, and is provided on a surface of the base material; and a first sizing agent that is provided at least around the contact portion, and cross-links the carbon nanotubes which are in direct contact with each other by a carbodiimide-derived structure obtained by reaction between a functional group of the carbon nanotubes and a carbodiimide group.