Strengthening of semicoke based carbon composites through multi-wall carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The present investigation explored the possibility of developing carbon composites using semicoke as matrix precursor and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcement. The different weight fraction of MWCNTs was incorporated in semicoke-based composites, and these composites were heat treated at 1,000, 1,400 and 2,500 °C. The MWCNTs carbon composite was characterized for electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. It was observed that the bulk density of composites with 1 wt% of MWCNTs was 1.92 g/cc, whereas without nanotubes it was 1.87 g/cc. The bending strength of carbonized composites was increased by 78 % and that of graphitized ones by 69 % at 1 wt% of MWCNTs. This value of bending strength was three times higher than that of conventional graphite. The electrical and thermal conductivity increased by 12 and 33 %, respectively. The Raman spectroscopic studies showed that intensity ratio of D and G band (ID)/(IG) ratio minimum deflects the lower level of defects and higher degree of graphitization in carbon composites at 1 wt% of MWCNTs. This demonstrates that in case of MWCNTs, semicoke-based carbon composites with 1 wt% of MWCNTs were sufficient for strengthening carbon composites, if MWCNTs were well dispersed in semicoke.