Construction of cellulose nanofiber/carbon nanotube synergistic network on carbon fiber surface to enhance mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of composites

Drawing inspiration from the robustness and resilience of spider silk , this study harnessed a combination of polydopamine (PDA), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and aminated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to create a synergistic network through hydrogen and covalent bonding on the surface of carbon fibers (CFs). This strategy significantly bolstered the interfacial properties of the resulting composites. The enhancements in flexural strength , flexural modulus , interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), tensile strength , and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) were measured at 47.8 %, 75.2 %, 54.3 %, 55.6 %, and 51.8 %, respectively. These improvements are attributed to the formation of robust covalent and hydrogen bonds among PDA, CNF, PVA, and aminated CNTs. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the CF composites saw a 59.7 % increase, owing to the CNFs and CNTs. These nanofillers are instrumental in forming an efficient thermal conductivity pathway within the resin matrix , which contributes to the improved thermal conductivity. This study introduces a straightforward, eco-friendly, and innovative approach for the production of high-performance CF composites.