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EVALUATION OF ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES ONTO CARBON FIBER Patrick Renaldo Bin Richard Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering 2019

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Page 1: EVALUATION OF ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION OF MULTI …

EVALUATION OF ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION

OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES ONTO

CARBON FIBER

Patrick Renaldo Bin Richard

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

2019

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UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK

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Mas ters S PhD D

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This declaration is made on the " I ~ ...day of... .. J':I.~ . 201 9.

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I PATRICK RENALDO BIN RI CHARD (5 0889) from FACULTY OF ENGINEERING hereby declare that the work entitled EVALUATION OF ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES ONTO CARBON FIBER is my original work . I have not cop ied from any other students' work or from a ny other sources exce pt where due reference or acknowledgement is made explicitly in the text, nor has any part been written for me by another perso n.

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I E RVINA JUNAID I hereby certifies that the work entitled EVALUATION OF ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION OF MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES ONTO

CARBON FIBER was prepa red by the above named student. and was submitted to the "FACULTY' as a * partiaUfuli fulfillment for the conferment of BENG (HONS) MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING, and the aforementioned work, to the best of my knowledge , is the said student's work.

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ii

EVALUATION OF ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION OF

MULTI-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES ONTO CARBON FIBER

PATRICK RENALDO BIN RICHARD

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of requirement for the

degree of Bachelor of Engineering with Honours

(Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Faculty of Engineering

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

2019

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iii

To my beloved family and friends

and

thank you, God, for giving me the strength to keep going

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iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, Madam Ervina Junaidi from

Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak for

her guidance and support throughout the process of completing the thesis. This thesis cannot

be accomplished without her supervision, guidance and moral support.

I would like to thank my family, as they have given me the moral support to help me to

go throughout these 4 years undergraduate study. The encouragement and love that they have

gave me has helped me to become who I am today.

Special thanks to my fellow friends Gary Kho, Chikia, Nurbaya, Mark and Ash for

providing moral support and always stand by me throughout the whole 4 years of studying and

to help ease of burden carried by me by providing support I needed to finish my course of

study. I could not express how much gratitude towards those who I did not mentioned but also

guided me and help me throughout all these years. Thank you.

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ABSTRACT

The Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite (FRPC) has been used widely in the

structural application, however, the incorporation of nanoparticle such as multi-walled carbon

nanotubes (MWCNT) can be utilized to further enhance the mechanical properties of the

composites. The aim of this study is to compare the stability of MWCNT in distilled water

(DW) and Dimethylformamide (DMF). The chosen incorporation method of deposition of

MWCNT onto carbon fiber (CF) were electrophoretic deposition (EPD) due to the advantages

of simple apparatus, short function time and low cost. Therefore, the effect of voltages and

time were studied to obtain the optimal condition for deposition of MWCNT into CF. The

stability of dispersed MWCNT in different types of medium were studied as the importance of

the MWCNT to stay stable in the medium is required to attain homogeneous deposition. The

UV-vis and colloidal stability test showed that DMF has better stability than DW in the long

run. Scanning Electrode Microscopy (SEM) images showed that the best condition for the

deposition of MWCNT onto CF were to be deposition time of 10 mins and applied voltage of

20 V. Therefore, the MWCNT dispersed in DW is still valid to be used as dispersing medium

for EPD process as the time required for depositing MWCNT onto CF is short and the colloidal

suspension is still stable within the time frame.

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ABSTRAK

Komposit Polimer Bertetulang Gentian (FRPC) telah digunakan secara meluas dalam

aplikasi struktur, bagaimanapun, penggabungan nanopartikel seperti nanotube karbon multi-

wall(MWCNT) dapat digunakan untuk meningkatkan sifat mekanik komposit. Tujuan kajian

ini adalah untuk membandingkan kestabilan MWCNT dalam air suling (DW) dan

Dimethylformamide (DMF). Kaedah penyatuan pemilihan MWCNT ke serat karbon (CF)

adalah pemendapan electrophoretic (EPD) kerana kelebihan alat mudah, masa fungsi pendek

dan kos rendah. Oleh itu, kesan voltan dan masa dikaji untuk mendapatkan keadaan optimum

untuk pemendapan MWCNT ke dalam CF. Kestabilan MWCNT yang tersebar dalam pelbagai

jenis media telah dikaji kerana kepentingan MWCNT untuk kekal stabil dalam medium

diperlukan untuk mencapai pemendapan homogen. Ujian kestabilan UV-vis dan koloid

menunjukkan bahawa DMF mempunyai kestabilan yang lebih baik daripada DW dalam jangka

masa panjang. Pengimbasan Gambar Mikroskopi Elektroda (SEM) menunjukkan bahawa

keadaan terbaik untuk pemendapan MWCNT ke CF adalah waktu pengendapan selama 10

minit dan voltan dikenakan 20 V. Oleh karena itu, MWCNT yang tersebar di DW masih

berlaku untuk digunakan sebagai media penyebaran untuk proses EPD sebagai masa yang

diperlukan untuk mendepositkan MWCNT ke CF adalah pendek dan penggantungan koloid

masih stabil dalam tempoh masa.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgement iv

Abstract v

Abstrak vi

Table of Contents vii

List of Tables x

List of Figures xi

List of Abbreviations xiv

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Research background 1

1.2 Problem Statement 4

1.3 Objectives 5

Chapter 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.1 Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite 6

2.1.1 Introduction 6

2.1.2 Methods of Incorporating Fillers onto Carbon

Fiber

7

2.1.2.1 Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) 8

2.1.2.2 Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) 10

2.1.2.3 Dipping Deposition 13

2.1.2.4 Direct Mixing 14

2.1.3 Fabrication of Carbon Fiber Reinforced

Polymer Composite

15

2.1.4 Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Composite (FRP)

16

2.2 Composite Reinforcement Material 17

2.2.1 Carbon Fiber (CF) Fabric 19

2.2.2 Glass Fiber 20

2.2.3 Aramid Based Fiber 21

2.2.4 Basalt Fiber 22

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2.3 Overview of Carbon-Based Fillers 25

2.3.1 Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT) 25

2.3.2 Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) 27

2.3.3 Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) 29

2.4 Dispersion Methods 30

2.4.1 Mechanical Dispersion Method 30

2.4.2 Physical Dispersion Method 31

2.4.3 Chemical Dispersion Method 31

2.5 Electrophoretic Deposition Process 32

2.5.1 Process Parameter 32

2.5.1.1 Voltage 32

2.5.1.2 Deposition Time 33

2.5.1.3 Solid Suspension Concentration 34

2.5.1.4 Conductivity of Substrate 34

2.5.2 Suspension Parameter 35

2.5.2.1 Types of Solvent 35

2.5.2.2 Conductivity 37

2.5.2.3 Viscosity 38

2.5.2.4 Zeta Potential 38

2.5.2.5 Stability 40

Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY 41

3.1.1 Epoxy Resin and Curing Agent 41

3.1.2 Carbon Fiber Fabric 42

3.1.3 Stainless Steel 42

3.1.4 Fillers 43

3.1.5 Dispersion Solvent 44

3.2 Suspension Preparation Process 45

3.3 Electrophoretic Deposition Process 45

3.4 Fabrication of Laminate Composite 46

3.5 Characterisation 47

3.5.1 Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) Analysis 47

3.5.2 Colloidal Test 47

3.5.3 UV Visible (UV Vis) Spectrophotometer 48

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ix

3.5.4 Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

(FTIR)

48

3.5.5 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) 49

3.5.6 Hardness Test 50

Chapter 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 52

4.1 Colloidal Stability 52

4.2 Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy 58

4.3 Morphologies of Deposited Carbon Fiber CF 60

4.4 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy 66

4.5 Hardness Properties 68

Chapter 5 CONCLUSION 71

5.1 Conclusion 71

5.2 Further Recommendations 71

References 73

Appendix 88

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LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1.1 Application of FRP in industry 3

2.1 Summary of deposition methods 7

2.2 Flexural property of CFRP 16

2.3 Tensile property of CFRP 17

2.4 Hardness properties of CFRP 17

2.5 Summary of types of fiber reinforcement 17

4.1 BET result for MWNCT 57

4.2 Hardness test result of CF/MWCNT composite 68

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

2.1 Schematic illustration of electrophoretic deposition process. (a) Cathodic

EPD and (b) anodic EPD

9

2.2 Illustration of EPD of CNTs in (a) deposition at anode (anodic deposition)

and (b) deposition at cathode (cathodic deposition)

10

2.3 Principle of CVD 11

2.4 Schematic diagram of in situ growth of CNTs on engineering fibers by

CVD

12

2.5 Important reaction zones of CVD 12

2.6 Schematic diagram of the general dipping procedure 13

2.7 Fabrication method utilizing direct mixing method of (a) CNT into epoxy,

(b) CNT into PEDOT.PSS- nanocomposite

14

2.8 Illustration of process used to manufacture glass fibers 21

2.9 Polymeric structure of aramid fibers 22

2.10 Simplified scheme of a basalt fiberization processing line 24

2.11 Schematic diagram of a portion of a graphene sheet rolled up to form a

SWNT

26

2.12 TEM image of SWNT 26

2.13 Schematic diagram of multi-walled carbon nanotubes 27

2.14 TEM image of MWNT 28

2.15 SEM images of (a) 5 µm sized graphene nanoplatelets, (b) 25 µm graphene

nanoplatelets, and (c) MWCNT

29

2.16 Electronic microscopic images of (A) single walled carbon nanotubes

bundle and (B) multiwalled carbon nanotubes agglomerate

30

2.17 Relationship of zeta potential and conductivity relative to PZT suspension

at various pH

34

2.18 Graph showing the zeta potential versus pH value of AL2O3 powder 39

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3.1 Epoxy resin and curing agent used for fabrication of composite 41

3.2 Plain width 3K tow carbon fiber 42

3.3 Hairline Stainless Steel 42

3.4 MWCNT used as nanofiller to be deposited onto CF surface 43

3.5 Dimethylformamide (DMF) used a medium for MWCNT dispersion 44

3.6 Kudos bath ultrasonicatoTabler 45

3.7 Setup of apparatus for EPD process 46

3.8 Quantachrome autosorbiQ BET Analysis Instrument 47

3.9 UV Visible (UV Vis) Spectrophotometer 48

3.10 FTIR spectrophotometer used for FTIR characterization 49

3.11 Scanning Electron Microscope 49

3.12 Microhardness testing machinery 50

3.13 Flowchart for process of fabrication of MWCNT/CF/EP laminate 51

4.1 Colloidal stability of MWCNT dispersion in DW (a) before sonication ,

and stability of MWCNT after sonication for (b) 0 minutes, (c) 10 minutes,

(d) 20 minutes, (e) 30 minutes, (f) 40 minutes, (g) 50 minutes, (h) 1 hour,

(i) 3 hours, (j) 7 hours, (k) 1 day

53

4.2 Colloidal stability of MWCNT dispersion in DW (a) before sonication ,

and stability of MWCNT after sonication for (b) 0 minutes, (c) 10 minutes,

(d) 20 minutes, (e) 30 minutes, (f) 40 minutes, (g) 50 minutes, (h) 1 hour,

(i) 3 hours, (j) 7 hours, (k) 1 day, (l) 1 week, (m) 2 weeks, (n) 3 weeks

55

4.3 Colloidal stability of MWCNT dispersed in DW during EPD observed

from top view at constant time of 5 minutes at voltage of (a) 5 V, (b) 10 V,

(c) 20 V, (d) 30 V and at constant voltage of 20 at time of (e) 10 minutes,

(f) 20 minutes, and (g) 30 minutes

56

4.4 UV-Vis spectra of MWCNT dispersed in DW after sonication as a function

with time

59

4.5 UV-Vis spectra of MWCNT dispersed in DMF after sonication as a

function with time

59

4.6 SEM images of (a) MWCNT, (b), (c) as received MWCNT with

magnification of x30 and x5K respectively

61

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4.7 Morphologies of deposited MWCNT onto CF surface at fixed time of 5

minutes with voltages of (a),(b) 5 V, (c),(d) 10 V, (e),(f) 20 V, (g),(h) 30

V, and SEM images of deposited MWCNT onto CF surface at fixed

voltage of 20 V at time of (i),(j) 10 minutes, (k),(l) 20 minutes and (m),(n)

30 minutes

63-65

4.8 FTIR spectra of (a) pristine MWCNT, (b) MWCNT sonicated in DMF, and

(c) MWCNT sonicated in DW

66

4.9 FTIR spectra of (a) as received CF and (b) deposited CF 67

4.10 Vickers hardness of CFRP composite 69

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

BET Brunauer-Emmett-Teller

CF Carbon Fiber

CNT Carbon Nanotube

CVD Chemical Vapor Deposition

DD Dipping Deposition Method

EPD Electrophoretic Distribution

FTIR Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

MWCNT Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

UV-Vis Ultraviolet Visible

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Research Background

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) are a form of composite that the polymer matrix is

reinforced by fibers. Whereby, composite materials are defined as material that are naturally

occurring or fabricated of two or more constituent materials which significant different

physical and chemical properties that remains to be separated within the finished product

(Alberto, 2013). FRP are a type of composite which utilizes fiber materials to mechanically

enhance mechanical properties of polymer matrix. The extend of the enhancement in

mechanical and the FRP are affected by the types of fibers and matrix used, volume ratio of

matrix and fibers, fiber length and orientation of within the matrix.

Reinforcement of the matrix apply when the composite exhibits enhancement of chemical

and mechanical properties relative to the matrix alone. There are wide range of fibers used in

fabrication of this composite which are generally can be classified as natural and synthetic

fibers. Natural fibers are fibers that can be extracted from plants or animals direct while

synthetic fibers are those that man-made. Alberto (2013), stated that the most commonly used

fibers are glass and carbon fibers within a thermosetting polymer. FRP are favoured due to

their benefits such as higher strength to weight ratio.

FRP are widely used in structures such as air frame, sports equipment, and automobile.

Alberto (2013) stated that FRP are viewed to be an upgrade from the traditional infrastructure

component such as steel and concrete in civil engineering and the application of this composite

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are continually growing to fields such as biomedical. A study stated that due to FRP’s better

mechanical performance, higher damage resistance, and lower thermal effects, FRP can

provide longer service life than traditional materials provided that FRP were to be fabricated

with high precision in designing, fabrication, and assemblage (Kutz, 2017). Carbon fiber

reinforced polymers (CFRP) are considered to be one of the important structural materials in

modern engineering application due to their excellent mechanical and chemical properties

(Xian & Wang, 2018). In Table 1.1 shows example of applications of FRP in industry. It shows

that this composite can be used to replace the traditional material used such as metal in parts

of a ship to further reduce the cumulative mass of the ship.

There are many types of fabrication of FRP where they are ranging from simple set up

and economically feasible to automated set up whereby requiring high investments (Agarwal

et al., 2018). The researcher stated that in the inexpensive methods however, there are variable

of properties that could result, as it is highly depending on the skills of the operator. A study

shows that these variables of properties are due to defects formation in fabrication of FRP

(Mehdikhani et al., 2018). The researcher defined the defects as cause of deviation of composite

properties due to irregularities. The most important defect that required to be considered is void

due to it is commonly occurred compared to other defects such as contamination and

delamination (Liu & Chen, 2016). A study also shows that properties of composites are

dependent on the performance and microstructure of interphase between fiber and matrix

whereby the region where the fiber and matrix are mechanically and chemically combined (L.

G. Tang & Kardos, 1997). The researcher noted that bonding between the fiber and matrix can

provide better properties of the product produced and therefore surface modification of the

structure of the surface of the fiber has been done in previous researches to improve the

adhesion between the fiber and matrix. An example of the method to modify surface structure

of a fiber is electrophoretic deposition (EPD).

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Table 1.1 Application of FRP in industry

EPD used to deposit stable inorganic particles in a solvent called suspension onto

substrate that are electrically conductive (Sarkar & Nicholson, 1996). Thomas et al., (2005)

stated that this technique can produce controlled thickness and homogeneous microstructure of

oxide coating on a wide range of substrate. According to Boccaccini et al. (2006), materials

that undergo EPD process exhibits good microstructure homogeneity and high packing density.

Electrophoretic distribution is a technique that involves two process. First step is the forcing of

Industry Fiber reinforced polymer Application

Aerospace Carbon fiber reinforced

polymer

Boeing A380

Tail planes

Tail cone

Un-pressurized fuselage

Outer flaps

Rear pressure bulkhead

Engine Cowlings

Flap track panels

Landing gear doors

Centre wing box

Wing

Outer flaps

Wing ribs

Upper deck floor beams

Automotive Carbon fiber reinforced

polymer

Car

Door frame pillar

Seat back

Fender support

Radiator core support

Hood

Roof

Door

Spoiler

Marine Aramid fiber reinforced

polymer

Kayak

Glass fiber reinforced

polymer

Maritime Naval Ship

Mine sweeper

Landing craft

Personnel boat

Sheathing of wood hulls

Submarine sonar dome

Submarine firs

Landing craft

reconnaissance

Submarine non-pressure hull

casing

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suspended particles to move towards electrode, and the second step is the collection of particles

at one of the electrodes and forms coherent deposit. This process will only be effective when

electric field is applied to the suspension, thus, the process is called electrophoresis.

According to Vandeperre & Biest (1999), electrophoretic deposition can be utilized to

solids that are available in powder form that are less than 30µm or a colloidal suspension.

Previous findings state that the process can be used for infiltration of porous materials and

woven fiber preforms for composite production, laminated and graded free-standing objects,

shape monolithic, and producing coatings. This research focuses on electrophoretic distribution

of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes has unique characteristics such as possessing higher

stiffness, higher aspects ratio and lower density (C. Li & Chou, 2003). According to Li and

Chou (2003), they stated that these characteristics are favourable for fabricating a modern

generation of composite.

1.2 Problem Statement

CNT has attracted researchers for range of potential applications, which includes

utilizing them as filler for fiber reinforced composite. In general MWCNT, as they possess

excellent mechanical, electrical, thermal properties (Thomas et al., 2005). However, Johann et

al., (2006) stated that if MWCNT were to be combined with other material, it is important for

them to be dispersed homogenously in the matrix. Previous studies showed that

inhomogeneous and agglomerated CNT onto composite will not enhance the properties of the

composite (Kuzumaki et al., 1998). The agglomeration of CNT are due to strong van der Waals

forces between then carbon (Hawthorn, 1989). Therefore, the best method to deposit

homogenous MWCNT will be EPD. Johann et al., (2006) stated that EPD is an advanced level

efficient process to produce coating from colloidal suspension where the deposited material

exhibits good microstructure homogeneity and high packing density.

To be able to utilize the deposition method, a colloidal suspension has to be prepared

as study previously stated various solvent can be used to prepare MWCNT suspension for EPD,

which includes DW and DMF (Pourgheysari et al., 2016). A study also shows that MWCNT

are generally has poor compatibility with most materials due to their high total surface free

area which leads the nanoparticle to be hydrophobic (Janas & Stando, 2017). This finding

causes harder dispersion of MWCNT in aqueous based solution. The most common method to

dispersed MWCNT in aqueous solution is by acid treatment. This causes introduction of

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5

functional groups of OH, COOH, and C=O onto the surface of MWCNT (F. Avilés et al.,

2009a). However, for mechanical reinforcement of composite the aspect ratio required for

MWCNT has to be large for adequate load transfer (Hou et al., 2008). Acid treatment causes

shortening of MWCNT and thus reduces the properties of MWCNT and therefore will not

enhance the properties of composite (Wan et al., 2005).

1.3 Objectives

The objective of this research are as follows;

1. To study the effects of applied voltages and deposition time on the deposition of

multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) onto carbon fiber (CF) surface.

2. To compare the stability of MWCNT in the organic and non-organic mediums.

3. To investigate the hardness properties of MWCNT/CF/Epoxy laminated surface

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite

2.1.1 Introduction

Fiber reinforced polymer composite has been widely used as a primary load-bearing

structure primarily in aerospace industry (Coleman et al., 2006). Carbon fiber are an example

of a widely used as a fiber component in a composite due to their low densities and superior

mechanical properties (Lin et al., 2009). The researchers stated that the fiber is used to improve

the performance of polymer composite in the form of fatigue performance, strength, and

specific stiffness. However, the interfacial and compression properties of the fiber reinforced

polymer composite are dependent on the combination of characteristics of the interface

between the fiber and the matrix, and combination of each primary component (Veedu et al.,

2006).

For a continuous fiber-reinforced composite, the interface between the fiber and matrix

is critical as it acts as a bridge that transfers load between the fiber and the matrix through shear

flow, therefore, it is challenging for composites with high interfacial shear strength to transfer

stress for reinforcement purposes (Lv et al., 2011). However, advancement of technology has

introduced a hierarchical structures to improve the interfacial strength of fiber composite

(Thostenson et al., 2002). Among several nano materials available, carbon nanotubes has been

introduced into conventional fiber composite due to their remarkable thermal and electrical

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property, thermal property, outstanding modulus and strength, and unique structure as reported

previously (M. Li et al., 2013).

There are two methods to incorporate nanofillers which are direct dispersion of

nanofillers into composite matrix and direct attachment of nanofillers onto carbon fiber surface

(M. Li et al., 2013). The techniques are direct mixing, electrophoretic deposition, chemical

vapor deposition, and dipping deposition. Researches has paid attentions to directly attach

carbon nanotubes onto carbon fiber due to convenience of fabrication of composite using

traditional methods (M. Li et al., 2013). Previous study showed that fabrication of fiber

polymer composite may introduce flaws and defects (Koushyar et al., 2012). The most critical

defect is void formation and therefore, few strategies and approaches have been studies to

reduce the defect.

2.1.2 Methods of Incorporating Fillers onto Carbon Fiber

The incorporation of fillers onto the carbon fiber is to enhance interfacial bonding between

the fiber and matrix (L. G. Tang & Kardos, 1997). Mechanical properties of CFRP are highly

dependent on the interaction and adhesion between fiber and the matrix (Chukov et al., 2014).

The researcher reported that CF are chemically stable and smooth therefore exhibit low

adhesion to the matrix. There are many methods of incorporating fillers onto carbon fibers

which includes in-situ growth deposition (EPD and CVD), dipping deposition (DD), and direct

mixing. The advantage and disadvantages can be referred in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Summary of deposition methods

Methods Advantages Disadvantages References

Electrophoretic

Deposition (EPD)

• Inexpensive

• Produce uniform

particulate with high

green densities.

• Controlled

thickness.

• Hydrogen

evolution produces

bubbles that can

reduce mechanical

properties.

(Basu et al., 2001)

(Thomas et al., 2005)

Chemical Vapor

Deposition (CVD)

• Versatile technique • Low deposition rate

• Expensive

fabrication cost

(Bonard, 2006)

(Kim & Park, 2005)

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• Can grow wide

range of carbon

structure.

• Properties of

structure can be

controlled over a

large range.

when mass

produced.

Dipping deposition • Facile

• Economic

• Good machinability

• Widespread

application

• Poor uniformity

• Relative weak

bonding conditions

(X. Tang & Yan,

2017)

(Qi et al., 2014)

Direct Mixing • Efficient way to

disperse nanotubes

with solvent aided

dispersion.

• Does not require

pre-dispersion stage.

• Agglomeration

take place before

epoxy can fully cure

• Produces lowest

desired mechanical

properties.

(Martone et al.,

2012)

(Yasmin et al., 2006)

2.1.2.1 Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD)

EPD is a type of colloidal process that has possess the benefit of short deposition time,

able to deposit on complex object and requires simple apparatus (Besra & Liu, 2007). A number

of researches has succeeded in performing EPD in various types of substrate and suspensions.

Moreover, for CNT to be combined with other materials, it is important for it to be dispersed

homogeneously in appropriate suspension (Boccaccini et al., 2006). Theoretically,

electrophoresis are particles that are in motion due to Coulombic forces with nonzero net

charge (Francis Avilés et al., 2018). Particles are observed and separated by characterizing their

surface charge that are finite and particles movement in uniform field (Morgan & Green, 2003).

Avilés et al. (2018), added that Coulomb force (Fc) of a particle is the result of product of the

charge on the particle and electric field €. This relation is conveyed by the equation;

𝐹𝑐 = ∫ 𝜎𝑞𝐸 𝑑𝑆𝑠

Equation 2.1