Composite laminates with recycled carbon fibres and carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Carbon fibre reinforced composites were manufactured by using recycled carbon fibres (CF) and carbon nanotubes (CNT). Dry fabrics were impregnated by hot melting with 1 wt% CNT filled epoxy resin to produce prepregs. Subsequently, composite laminates were manufactured by vacuum bagging and autoclave moulding. Only materials and industrial equipment were used for the laminate production. Laminates with unfilled resin and virgin CFs were also manufactured for comparison. Samples were extracted for physical and mechanical measurements. Dynamic mechanical analyses and bending tests were carried out to evaluate the interaction between CNTs, resin matrix and recycled CFs.