Abstract
Nano-structural control of CNT/epoxy composite by alternative electric field was investigated in terms of applied voltage and frequency. A mixture of CNT and epoxy without hardener was observed by optical microscope under AC field. As a result, it is found that lower applied voltage just makes CNTs align in the electric field direction, but higher applied voltage forms CNT network. The critical voltage to form the network depends on the volume fraction of CNT. Applied voltage and frequency affect the morphology of the CNT network. In addition, a CNT/epoxy composite plate was cured under AC field to confirm the feasibility of nano-structural control by AC electrical field. SEM observation shows that unidirectional alignment in the thickness direction was achieved by AC electrical field.
