Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown radially on the surface of carbon
fiber/fabric by catalytic chemical vapor deposition through the decomposition of
acetylene gas. Nickel was used as a catalyst. The CNTs were synthesized over a
range of temperature from 650°C to 800°C. Scanning electron microscopy and
transmission electron microscopy studies reveal the presence of CNTs. The
density of CNTs on the carbon fiber is high. Thermal analysis study shows that
the CNT coated carbon fiber is more stable in air than in oxygen. Considerable
improvement in the remnant and saturation magnetization has been found
through a vibrating sample magnetometer study. Current versus voltage
measurements show a decrease of ~47% in onset voltage after the growth of
CNTs on the surface of carbon fiber. Measurement of Brunauer Emmett and
Teller surface area shows a threefold increase in the surface area of the carbon
fibers after the growth of CNTs on their surface. A single-fiber pull out test
indicates that the CNT coated carbon fiber improves the interfacial load transfer
with respect to the as-received fiber. Improvement in storage modulus of a CNT
coated carbon fiber composite in a polyester matrix is supported by dynamic
mechanical analysis.