Revelation of catalytic reduction process affecting the morphology and properties of CNTs/carbon fabrics and their composites

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes/carbon fabrics and their reinforced resin matrix composites were manufactured by chemical vapor deposition and molding method, respectively. Different catalytic reduction processes with different catalyst types and reduction temperatures had different effects on their morphology and properties. It was found by a series of characterization methods that the catalytic activity of the bimetallic catalyst was higher than that of the single metal, and the surface uniformity of CNTs catalyzed by Fe-Co was the best. When the reduction temperature reached the growth temperature, the uniformity of CNTs and the interlaminar shear strength of composites increased obviously. The influence mechanism of these parameters was discussed in depth, which provided a fundamental engineering basis for understanding of catalytic reduction process, optimizing of CNTs growth process and the application of high-performance composite materials.