Synthesis of carbon nanotubes on nickel-silica catalyst coated E-glass fiber/fabric and its nanocomposites

摘要

Glass fiber, with its lower specific density combined with high modulus and strength, is an ideal reinforcing material for structural applications. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer superior properties than any material what has been made till date. These CNTs were grown on nickel-silica coated E-glass fiber, where nickel coating on glass fiber was done by sol gel method using tetra ethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 2-methoxy ethanol and silane coupling agent. The Ni catalyst particle catalyzes the growth of CNTs. CNTs were grown at a temperature of 600°C for 25 mins by introducing a mixture of acetyleneitrogen (C₂H₂/H₂) into the reactor at a flow rate of 40/100 sccm (standard cubic centimeters) per minutes. The structure of CNTs were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy; thermal stability by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyzer (TGA/DTA); electrical conductivity through V-I characteristics; and mechanical properties by dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). It is found that these nanotubes have diameters in the range of 60–200 nm and the length of CNTs is several micrometers.