Mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers with carbon nanotube reinforcements

Amod A. Jiang
Dan D. Edie
Apparao M. Rao

Document Type Patent

Abstract

A modified, mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber is disclosed which includes carbon nanotube reinforcements in an amount ranging from about 0.01 percent to about 1.0 percent by weight. Although the reinforcements actually decrease the excellent tensile modulus of the unmodified fiber, they provide a random microstructure, which can decrease brittle failure of the fiber caused by propagation of a flaw.