Electrodeposition of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets onto carbon fibers and properties of their epoxy composites

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelet (xGnP)/copper (Cu) coated carbon fibers were fabricated by electrophoretic deposition under different applied voltages. The electrical and mechanical properties of individual fibers and composites made from these fibers and epoxy resin were investigated. The electrical resistivity of xGnP/Cu coated single carbon fiber is lower than that of the uncoated control sample and decreases with increase in the applied voltage. The xGnP and metallic Cu were simultaneously deposited on the carbon fiber surface as a result of the electrochemical cell configuration. The interfacial shear strength decreases with applied voltage up to 30 V but increases with applied voltage of over 30 V. The interfacial shear strength for the coated samples except the 50 V treated sample is lower than that of control sample. The flexural strength and modulus of xGnP/Cu coated carbon/epoxy composites is higher than those of control sample due to the reinforcing effect of xGnP/Cu coated on the carbon fibers.