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Cellulose nanocrystal (CNCs) assisted carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) were used to modify the interfacial region of carbon fiber (CF) and polymer matrix to strengthen the properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Before transferring CNC-CNTs and CNC-GnPs on the CF surface by an immersion coating method, the nanomaterials were dispersed in DI water homogeneously by using probe sonication technique without additives. The results showed that the addition of CNC-CNT and CNC-GnP adjusted the interfacial chemistry of CFRP with the formation of polar groups. Furthermore, according to the single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT), the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of CNC-GnP 6:1 and CNC-CNT 10:1 added CFRP increased to 55 MPa and 64 MPa due to modified interfacial chemistry by the incorporation of the nanomaterials. This processing technique also resulted in improvement in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) in CFRPs from 35 MPa (neat composite) to 45 (CNC-GnP 6:1) MPa and 52 MPa (CNC-CNT 10:1).
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Energized Composites for Electric Vehicles: A Dual Function Energy‐Storing Supercapacitor‐Based Carbon Fiber Composite for the Body Panels
Abstract The current electric vehicles (EVs) face many challenges like limited charge capacity, low miles/charge, and long charging times. Herein, these issues are addressed by developing a dual‐function supercapacitor‐based energy‐storing carbon fiber reinforced polymer (e‐CFRP) that can store electrical energy and function as the structural component for the EV's body shell. This is achieved by developing a unique design, vertically aligned graphene sheets attached to carbon fiber electrodes on which different metal oxides are deposited to obtain high‐energy density electrodes. A high‐strength multilayer e‐CFRP assembly is fabricated using an alternate layer patterning configuration of epoxy and polyacrylamide gel electrolyte. The e‐CFRP so developed delivers a high areal energy density of 0.31 mWh cm–2at 0.3 mm thickness and a high tensile strength of 518 MPa, bending strength of 477 MPa, and impact strength of 2666 J m–1. To show its application in EVs, a toy car's body panel is fabricated with e‐CFRP and the toy car is able to operate using the energy stored in its frame. Moreover, when integrated with a solar cell, this composite powers an Internet of Things device, showing its feasibility in communication satellites.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2122779
- PAR ID:
- 10367283
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Small
- Volume:
- 18
- Issue:
- 9
- ISSN:
- 1613-6810
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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