MWCNT modified structure-conductive composite and its electromagnetic shielding behavior

In this paper, a structure-conductive carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRPs) were fabricated. Its mechanical and electrical properties were characterized. The contribution of its modifier, multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) to the overall EMS (electromagnetic shielding) effectiveness of CFRP was analyzed. To simultaneously enhance the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity, the MWCNT was well dispersed into aerospace grade epoxy base resin. Afterward, The MWCNT carrying resin was impregnated over unidirectional fiber yarns to produce unidirectional prepreg, and MWCNT modified CFRP (MWCNT-CFRP) laminates were molded in an autoclave. The static mechanical strength, electrical conductivities, and electromagnetic shielding (EMS) effectiveness of MWCNT-CFRPs were tested. Relative analysis verified the conductivity dependence of their EMS performance, indicating the promising prospect of MWCNT-CFRPs for EMS structural composite.