Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7212522 | Composites Part B: Engineering | 2016 | 8 Pages |
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of carbon fiber loading on the electrical conductivity, EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) and mechanical properties of solid and foamed poly butylene terephthalate (PBT)/carbon fiber composites. The composites were prepared through compounding using twin-screw extrusion as a master batch containing 13Â wt % fibers. The final composite samples containing 1, 3, 5, 8, and 13Â wt % fibers were manufactured during solid and foamed injection molding process through the addition of fibers to PBT. As the carbon fiber loading increased, the tensile strength also increased; however, the increasing trend leveled off at fiber loading of 8Â wt % both for solid and foamed composites. In the conductivity examinations, the electrical conductivity increased when the fiber content increased. The conductivity examinations were performed at three different locations: on the surface and at 0.3 and 1.5Â mm below the surface. This examination indicated an increase in the conductivity in the positions below the surface. The SEM micrographs showed accumulation of more fibers on the PBT matrix farther from the sample surface. No EMI shielding effectiveness for carbon fiber loading less than 13Â wt % was observed; therefore, the fiber content was increased to 20, 25, and 30Â wt %. When the fiber loading was increased from 20 to 30Â wt %, the EMI shielding effectiveness value also increased. Overall, the foamed composites revealed better electrical conductivity and EMI shielding properties than those of solid materials.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Engineering
Engineering (General)
Authors
Shyh-shin Hwang,