Hierarchical epoxy based composites prepared by chemical vapor deposition of carbon nanocoils on glass fibers

The objective of this work was to grow carbon nanocoils (CNCs) on the glass fiber (GF) surface by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and to prepare laminated composites by hand lay-Up, where CNC-coated GF is reinforcing phase. Spring-like CNCs were obtained at 600°C, whereas single helix CNCs were found over the glass fiber surface at 700°C. The presence of CNCs on the GF surface was confirmed using SEM analysis, TEM analysis, I–V analysis, etc. The CNC- coated GF-based epoxy composites were characterized for their mechanical properties. C7GE specimen showed lower mechanical properties compared to the GF epoxy specimens, while C6GE composite exhibited the best properties. Flexural strength and flexural modulus improved by about 35%, 56%, respectively, and storage modulus and glass transition temperature also increased by about 42% and 11%, respectively, compared to GF/epoxy specimen. SEM images exhibit good interaction between epoxy and GF when GF is modified by 600°C CNC.