Mechanical and thermal properties of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber and polycarbonate composite sheets

In this research study, the vapor-grown carbon nanofibers (VGCFs) were investigated as possible reinforcements in the polymer matrix to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of composites. Microscopic analysis has shown that the fibers were well dispersed in a polycarbonate (PC) matrix. The VGCFs delayed the thermal decomposition of the PC, which is likely a result of absorption by the carbon surface of free radicals generated during the polymer decomposition. The higher orientation of the VGCF resulted in 10 wt.% but that decreased with increasing VGCF content. The thermal stability of composites improved with increasing filler loading below Tg. Both hardness and Young's modulus increased with an increase of filler content for the rolling composite sheets. The effect of VGCF content on the tribological property of the composites was studied. The result shows that the friction coefficient of VGCF-reinforced PC composites decreased with VGCF content compared to pure PC.