Effect of Carbon Nanotubes on the Microstructure and Thermal Property of Phenolic/Graphite Composite

Abstract

In this work, composites based on phenolic resin (P), graphite powder (G), carbon fibers (CFs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by using hot compression molding. The effect of CNTs on the microstructure and thermal property of these composites was investigated. FESEM analysis indicated that the surface structure of phenolic/graphite composites became more dense and homogeneous with the presence of CNTs. The carbonization behavior of composites was characterized by using thermal gravimetric analyses (TGAs). TGA data showed that the presence of CNTs in phenolic/graphite composites enhanced their thermal stability, by increasing the temperature of maximum weight loss rate ( T m ) during pyrolysis and decreasing the weight loss after pyrolysis. In addition, incorporation of CNTs into phenolic/graphite composites reduced significantly their open porosity.