Carbon Nanotube Growth on PAN‐ and Pitch‐Based Carbon Fibres by HFCVD

Abstract

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNT) were grown on carbon fibres, both PAN‐ and pitch‐based, by hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD) using H2 and CH4 as precursors. Nickel clusters were electrodeposited on the fibre surfaces to catalyse the growth, and uniform CNT coatings were obtained on both PAN‐ and pitch‐based carbon fibres. Ni cluster features varied, depending on the deposition parameters, showing on average larger dimensions and denser distribution on pitch fibres. Multi‐walled CNTs with smooth walls and low impurity content were grown. The morphological features, both before and after the growth process, were characterised by SEM. This novel material based on carbon fibres coated with CNT, shows a potential for applications in polymeric matrix composites.