Enhancing thermal conductivity of glass fiber/polymer composites through carbon nanotubes incorporation

Carbon nanotubes were effectively incorporated into low-viscosity polyester/vinyl ester resins and then used for infusion of glass fiber textiles by high-pressure injection, resulting in carbon nanotubes/glass fiber/polymer multiscale composites. The nanotubes distribution in the composites was examined by measuring the local density of as-produced composites. The uniformity of local density and scanning electron microscope characterization verified the homogeneous morphology of as-produced composites. Both theoretical calculation and experimental characterization indicated thermal conductivity was significantly improved. Incorporation of 3 wt% carbon nanotubes has resulted in 1.5-folds enhancement of thermal conductivity. These results will further increase industrial application of the fiber composites.