Synthesis and characterization of conductive CFRP & GFRP using pani-based electrically conductive thermoset polymer matrix

In the present work, PANI-based electrically conductive thermoset matrix used to prepare conductive thermoset FRP composites. The conducting component of the matrix is polyaniline, protonated with a protonic acid, Dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid (DBSA). The thermoset matrix, for instance, Divinylbenzene (DVB) is used as a cross-linking polymer to enhance the rigidity. In this mixture, DBSA act as the dopant of PANI as well as the curing agent of DVB, this means that doping and curing of the composite occur simultaneously. More particularly, the present work reports the preparation of thermoset CFRP and GFRP composites which show very high electrical conductivity in thickness direction as well as good mechanical properties. Electrical properties, mechanical properties and morphology of these conductive FRPs have been studied and compared.