Continuous preparation of multiscale reinforcement by electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanotubes onto carbon fiber tows

The simple and continuous deposition of carbon nanotubes onto the surface of carbon fiber tows, using ethanol as a dispersive medium, was achieved by the electrophoretic process. The resulting materials showed a uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes on the fiber surface. Such a continuous process provides industrial potential for preparing a multiscale carbon nanotube-carbon fiber reinforcement. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.