We investigated the effects of the synthesis conditions and condensation processes on the chemical compositions and multifunctional performance of the directly spun carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers. On the basis of the optimized synthesis conditions, a two-step post-treatment technique which involved acidification and epoxy infiltration was also developed to further enhance their mechanical and electrical properties. As a result, their tensile strength and Young's modulus increased remarkably by 177% and 325%, respectively, while their electrical conductivity also reached 8235 S/cm. This work may provide a general strategy for the postprocessing optimization of the directly spun CNT fibers. The treated CNT fibers with superior properties are promising for a wide range of applications, such as structural reinforcements and lightweight electric cables.
Keywords: acid treatment; carbon nanotube fibers; electrical conductivity; epoxy infiltration; mechanical strength; post-treatment.