Joining glass fiber layers using a functionalized carbon nanofiber entangled network

Abstract

As-received glass fiber layers are joined using a carboxylic acid-functionalized carbon nanofiber (OCNF) entangled network utilizing a solution filtering process. Optical and SEM images of the OCNF/glass fiber assembly reveal fiber-bridging effect and show that the OCNF entangled network continuously covers the glass fiber layers. In the absence of polymer matrix, test result shows that a significant amount of peeling force is required to separate the OCNF/glass fiber assembly. Furthermore, fracture analysis indicates evidence of OCNF pull-out and alignment perpendicular to the glass fiber layer along the crack.