Improving Fiber/Matrix Interface in composites through Electrophoretic Deposition

In order to improve the interlaminar properties of glass reinforced polymers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been utilized as nano scale reinforcing agents in the composite structure. Chemically modified glass texture surface incorporated with a smooth layer of CNTs through electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The attached CNT film formed strong chemical bonds with glass fibers in the fibers/matrix interface. Grafted CNTs act as nano anchors between polymer and fibers to improve the composite interlaminar performance. The interlaminar shear strength of best EPD modified glass texture-epoxy composites has been increased by 42% regarding control samples and 10% improvement achieved in their quasi static indentations strength. Results unveil the salient influence of EPD parameters like suspension concentration, electric field and process time on CNT’s deposition mass. The effect of field strength was around 8.5 times, but the effect of concentration was around 5.5 times. Stable processes will result in satisfying CNT deposition. :