Influence of PANI-complex on the mechanical and electrical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of PANI-complex on the mechanical and electrical properties of CF-PP composites. As expected, an i ncrease in tensile strength and modulus of the PP matrix could be achieved with an increasing fiber weight fraction. On the other hand, the PANI-compl ex decreased the tensile strength and modulus of the fiber reinforced compo sites; however, these values remained on a better level than the value of t he neat PP. Further, by using a long carbon fiber (LCF) reinforcement inste ad of short carbon fibers (SCF) the percolation threshold was moved towards a lower fiber weight content. In addition, a synergy effect between PANI-c omplex and LCF in the PP-matrix regarding the electrical properties occurre d. In particular, an abrupt decrease in the surface resistivity could be av oided. Also, the surface resistivity of a blend is better when the blend co nsists of both PANI-complex and LCF instead of only one of these fillers.