Carbon-based nanocomposite yarns reinforced with titanium carbide formed by internally reacted titanium and graphene

Abstract

Carbon-based twisted laminar yarns were fabricated by the homogeneous incorporation of titanium and graphene nanoparticles into carbon multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) sheets. The titanium and graphene reacted to form titanium carbide (TiC) within the MWNT host matrix when ignited by heating. The reaction between titanium and graphene within the MWNT results in the generation of 50 J/g of released heat. This indicates a roughly 28% increase in heat discharge compared to the exothermic reaction when only pure titanium and graphene are involved. The produced yarns have a Young’s modulus of 1.9 GPa, indicating ~ 200% enhancement compared to the 0.63 GPa observed for the pristine yarn. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)