Conductive CNF-reinforced hybrid composites by injection moulding

A carbon nanofibre (CNF)-loaded polyester matrix was used to prepare glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composites by light resin transfer moulding (LRTM) process in two different ways. The CNF-resin dispersion was injected or applied as a gel-coat in the mould. The incorporation of CNF to the injected matrix produced an increase in the strength of the composites at any studied CNF composition. The CNF gel-coat only produced reinforcement at 2 wt.% CNF load. Electrical characterization showed volume resistivity values below 105 Ω cm with only 0.5 wt.% CNF in the matrix.