Study on the carbon nanotubes reinforced nanocomposite coatings

One-dimensional nanocomposite coatings are a new generation of coatings, which have promising applications in versatile fields. In this study, the novel carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced nanocomposite coatings were explored through two-step strategy using both physical vapour deposition (PVD) approach and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) approach. Vertically aligned CNT films were deposited by plasma enhanced CVD at 450℃, while density of the VACNT films was modified by using Ag impregnated composite catalyst films. Subsequently, Pt-CNT, Ag-CNT and DLC-CNT nanocomposite coatings were explored to find a feasible way to achieve the well-designed composite structure. Morphologies and microstructures of these nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, while four-probe tester was applied to evaluate the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite coatings. The results indicated that well-composited DLC-CNT nanocomposite coating can be achieved which exhibited better electrical conductivity compare to that of the pristine DLC coating.