Abstract

Composite materials thermal conductivity is a challenging area. This is particularly applicable in the through thickness direction. Obstacles on the path of improvement are numerous. To overcome issue of carbon nanotube distribution within composite a new approach was adopted. This was achieved with employment of new method to obtain a basic building block for the layer-by-layer method. Laminate was prepared from prepreg layers utilising ancillary materials stack-up sequence optimised for thermal conductivity improvement through nanomaterials. Autoclave cured materials were examined for thermal conductivity. The highest value was achieved at 125 deg C. The highest improvement over reference carbon fibre / epoxy composite material was obtained at 25 deg C. Three different carbon nanotube materials were used in the research. Least damaged carbon nanotubes yielded the best results. Simple calculations completed on carbon nanotube / epoxy composites confirmed the least damaged carbon nanotubes –
the carbon nanotubes of the highest quality - as the best heat transport medium.