Laser Induced Modifications of Carbon Nanotube Composite Surfaces

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes epoxy composites have been processed with high power laser pulses and micro-machined with a single crystal diamond tool. The effect of the dispersion of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs, 0.4 wt %) in the epoxy resin and carbon nanotube interaction with the composite matrix have been probed using spectroscopic Raman mapping. While the micromachined surface maintains a good electrical conductivity after machining, the surface is poorly conductive after laser ablation. Laser processing (power 150 J/pulse, 1064 nm) transforms the surface of the carbon nanotube nanocomposite up to a distance of 25 mm. AFM images show that the diamond machined surface reduces the composite surface roughness.