High strength, anti-static, thermal conductive glass fiber/epoxy composites for medical devices: A strategy of modifying fibers with functionalized carbon nanotubes

A series of aliphatic amine-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) wherein varied secondary amine numbers were grafted on the MWCNTs' surface were synthesized and further dispersed onto the glass fibers for reinforcing epoxy-based composites. By tuning secondary amine numbers of aliphatic amines, the dispersion of MWCNTs and ultimately mechanical, thermal, and conductive properties of epoxy-based composites could be adjusted. Using an optimal secondary amine number of aliphatic amine (triethylenetetramine), the interlaminar shear strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of epoxy-based composite increased by 43.9%, 34.8%, and 35.0%, respectively; the work of fracture after interlaminar shear tests increased by 233.9%, suggesting strengthening/toughening effects of functionalized MWCNTs; significant reduction in surface resistance and increased thermal conductivity were also obtained, implying the superior conductive properties for composites. This work offers a new strategy for designing fiber-reinforced composites with high strength, excellent antistatic properties, and good thermal conductivity for medical device applications.