Chapter 12: Thermal and Electrical Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

چکیده مقاله

Carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTPCs) are pivotal advanced materials, but their performance is critically dependent on the interfacial adhesion between the non-polar carbon fiber (CF) surface and the polar polymer matrix. This chapter consolidates findings on how surface modification techniques, including chemical oxidation, plasma treatment, and sizing, significantly enhance this adhesion, leading to superior composite properties. The fabrication processes for both CFs and CFRTPCs are detailed, establishing a foundation for understanding their structure-property relationships. A key finding is that CF reinforcement markedly improves the thermal conductivity of composites, with pitch-based CFs offering superior performance (up to 1000 W/(m·K)) compared to PAN-based variants; however, this conductivity remains highly anisotropic. Furthermore, CF incorporation substantially enhances thermal stability, increasing decomposition temperatures by 10–30°C. Electrically, CFRTPCs demonstrate excellent conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness, often reaching over 40 dB, which is further amplified by hybrid fillers like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or metal coatings. Looking forward, the field is trending towards overcoming challenges like material anisotropy and high costs through advanced recycling methods, the development of cost-effective manufacturing techniques, and the exploration of new multi-functional applications. This chapter underscores the immense potential of CFRTPCs for next-generation applications in aerospace, automotive, and electronics, provided that the interplay between fiber, matrix, and interface is optimally engineered.