Hybridized ZnO nanostructures on carbon-fiber through combustion synthesis induced by joule heating

Zinc Oxide nanostructures have been hybridized on carbon fiber bundles though joule-heating carbon fiber coated with metallic zinc powder. Upon sufficient heat transfer from the carbon fiber in ambient atmospheric conditions, the metallic Zinc coating will undergo combustion. The combustion reaction will yield a variety of ZnO nanoparticles on the carbon fiber bundles. This simple cost-effective technique provides a fast, non-catalytic, and economic approach for the hybridization of ZnO nanowires on advanced textiles. The integration of ZnO nanostructures on the carbon fiber bundles can open up new avenues for multifunctional composites or smart materials. The ZnO nanostructures on the carbon fiber bundle have been characterized through SEM, XRD, and TEM. The new method and minimum heating rates to cause ignition of Zn powders are discussed.