Preparation and characterization of carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber hybrid material by ultrasonically assisted electrophoretic deposition

Abstract Carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber hybrid material was prepared by ultrasonically assisted electrophoretic deposition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that oxygen containing functional groups of the carbon nanotubes were obviously increased after acid treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that ultrasonically assisted EPD increased the amount and uniformity of carbon nanotubes whereas only sparse deposition formed without ultrasonic. Deposition sites increased by introduction of ultrasonic in the EPD process have been suggested as a possible mechanism. Results of the mechanical property tests showed that single fiber tensile strength, Weibull modulus and the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) were significantly improved by 16.0%, 40.7% and 68.8%, respectively.