• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.290-295
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• 2021

The application of lightweight structural composites to automobiles as a solution in line with global fuel economy regulations to curb global warming is recognized as a megatrend. This study was conducted to provide a technical approach that can respond to the issue of replacing parts that require conductive properties to maximize the application of thermoplastic carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs), which are advantageous in terms of repair, disposal and recycling. By utilizing the properties of the low-viscosity polymerizable oligomer matrix, it was possible to prepare a thermoplastic CFRP exhibiting excellent impregnation properties while uniformly mixing the conductive filler. Various carbon-based conductive fillers such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, graphite, and pitch-based carbon fibers were filled up to the maximum content, and electrical and thermal conductive properties of the fabricated composites were compared and studied. It was confirmed that the maximum incorporation of filler was the most important factor to control the conductive properties of the composites rather than the type or shape of the conductive carbon filler. Experimental results were observed in which it might be advantageous to apply a one-dimensional conductive carbon filler to improve electrical conductivity, whereas it might be advantageous to apply a two-dimensional conductive carbon filler to improve thermal conductivity. The results of this study can provide potential insight into the optimization of structural design for controlling the conductive properties of thermoplastic CFRPs.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2021

A thermally conductive 200 ㎛ thick polyimide-based film was made from a polyamic acid (PAA) precursor containing graphene prepared from graphite rod using an electrostatic discharge method in order to improve the thermal conductivity and expand the applicability of polyimide (PI) film. Properties of graphene produced by electrostatic discharge were measured by Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). As a result of Raman spectrum and XPS analyses of as-prepared graphene, the ID/IG ratio was 0.138 and C/O value was 24.91 which are excellent structural and surface chemical properties. Moreover, thermal conductivities of polyimide films increased exponentially according to graphene contents but when the graphene content exceeded 40%, the polyimide film could not maintain its shape. The thermal conductivity of carbonized PI film made from PAA containing 40 wt% of graphene was 51 W/mK which is greatly enhanced from the pristine carbonized PI film (1.9 W/mK). This result could be originated from superior properties of graphene prepared from the electrostatic discharge method.