MANUFACTURE AND EVALUATION OF HYBRID CARBON NANOFIBER CONTAINING NONWOVEN PAPERS

摘要

Nanotechnologies and their potential benefits have been extensively discussed and studied for a wide variety of applications. To date, much of the work done has been at a laboratory and/or prototype scale. One of the reasons for this is that processing and incorporation of these materials utilizing commercially available techniques has been challenging. This paper discusses how a novel nonwoven paper manufacturing process can incorporate nanofibers into a carbon matrix and can ultimately aid in the commercialization of goods manufactured utilizing processes common to composite, prepreg, and textile industries. Specifically, this paper will discuss experiences, processing conditions, outcomes and potential benefits from the integration of carbon nanofibers (CNF) into an isotropic graphitic structure to form a textile like rolled goods veil. It will also review that the resultant veil provides a means for material design engineers to fully exploit CNF properties such as improved z-plane conductivity, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness as well as the possibilities of improved vibration damping and heat transfer in composite structures.