Synergistic toughening and electrical functionalization of an epoxy using MWCNTs and silane‐ /plasma‐activated basalt fibers

This work studied the effects of adding short basalt fibers (BFs) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), both separately and in combination, on the mechanical properties, fracture toughness, and electrical conductivity of an epoxy polymer. The surfaces of the short BFs were either treated using a silane coupling agent or further functionalized by atmospheric plasma to enhance the adhesion between the BFs and the epoxy. The results of a...