• Composites Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.13-18
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• 2010

One of the biggest challenges in the nano-field is how to effectively disperse nano-scale particles, especially CNTs, which are strongly agglomerated by intermolecular van der Waals forces. This study suggests a new method, discharge flocking, in order to disperse nano-scale particles effectively, which combines corona discharge phenomenon and a traditional electrostatic flocking process. In order to evaluate the discharge flocking process, composite specimens were fabricated by the process and RFI(resin film infusion) process, and then the mechanical and electrical properties of the specimens were measured and compared. Moreover, the evaluation of gas discharge effect on the CNTs and epoxy was performed to compare the mechanical and electrical properties of the composite specimens including the plasma treated CNTs. The experimental results showed that the electrical and mechanical properties of the specimens fabricated by the discharge flocking process were similar to those of the RFI process. In addition, plasma treated CNTs were not affected by gas discharge during the discharge flocking process.