Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nano Fiber Reinforced Composites in Thin-wall Injection Molding

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are expected to be a new functional material. We studied Polypropylene (PP) matrix composites filled with vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCFs) for applicationsof micro-scale products were fabricated by thin-wall injection molding. Young′s modulus and tensile strength of the molded specimens were measured and the effects of thickness are discussed in comparison with a conventional carbon fiber reinforced composites. As a result, though Young′s modulus and tensile strength of CF/PP kept constant in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0mm in thickness, VGCF/PP composites increases with increasing thickness of specimens.