PNNL

Abstract

Carbon nanotube reinforced ceramic composites were synthesized by using recently developed polymer-derived ceramics as matrices. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes, treated with a surfactant, were first dispersed in a liquid polymer precursor by sonication and mechanical stirring. The solution was then converted to fully dense ceramic composites with pressure-assist pyrolysis technique. Microstructural observation revealed that nanotubes were homogeneously dispersed throughout the ceramic matrix. Significant increases in mechanical and thermal properties were observed by adding only ~6vol% nanotubes. Strong nanotube pullout revealed by SEM observation suggested that the composites could possess high fracture toughness.