MODIFICATION OF REINFORCING FIBER TOWS USED IN COMPOSITE MATERIALS BY USING NANOREINFORCEMENTS

摘要

Methods for enhancing the strength and stiffness of fibers, including nanoreinforced fibers and fiber tows, composite materials including the nanoreinforced fibers and tows, and articles of manufacture including the composite materials, are disclosed. The methods involve adhering random or aligned nanoreinforcement materials, such as carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, graphene plates, nanowires, nanoparticles, into or onto a spread carbon tow or yarn to form modified fibers wherein nanoreinforcement is adhered or trapped within the carbon tow. The carbon nanotubes or nanofibers can be aligned. Carbon fiber tows including the modified carbon fibers can be processed or woven for impregnation with a thermoset resin or thermoplastic to form a composite structure. The performance increase of the modified fibers relative to the unmodified fibers can be greater than the weight increase caused by the modification. Increased fiber stiffness and strength can result in a significant weight saving.