Abstract: A method for forming a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite by distributing carbon fibers or nanotubes into a molten polymer phase comprising one or more molten polymers; and applying a succession of shear strain events to the molten polymer phase so that the molten polymer phase breaks the carbon fibers successively with each event, producing reactive edges on the broken carbon fibers that react with and cross-link the one or more polymers. The composite shows improvements in mechanical properties, such as stiffness, strength and impact energy absorption.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a nano-graphitic sponge (NGS) and methods for preparing the nano-graphitic sponge. The disclosed nano-graphitic sponge possesses many excellent properties, including large surface areas and pore volumes, low-mass densities, good electrical conductivities and mechanical properties. These excellent properties make the nano-graphitic sponge an ideal material for many applications, such as electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors, fuel cells and solar cells, catalysts and catalyst supports, and sensors.

Abstract: A method for forming a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite by distributing carbon fibers or nanotubes into a molten polymer phase comprising one or more molten polymers; and applying a succession of shear strain events to the molten polymer phase so that the molten polymer phase breaks the carbon fibers successively with each event, producing reactive edges on the broken carbon fibers that react with and cross-link the one or more polymers. The composite shows improvements in mechanical properties, such as stiffness, strength and impact energy absorption.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a nano-graphitic sponge (NGS) and methods for preparing the nano-graphitic sponge. The disclosed nano-graphitic sponge possesses many excellent properties, including large surface areas and pore volumes, low-mass densities, good electrical conductivities and mechanical properties. These excellent properties make the nano-graphitic sponge an ideal material for many applications, such as electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors, fuel cells and solar cells, catalysts and catalyst supports, and sensors.

Abstract: A method for forming a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite by distributing carbon fibers or nanotubes into a molten polymer phase comprising one or more molten polymers; and applying a succession of shear strain events to the molten polymer phase so that the molten polymer phase breaks the carbon fibers successively with each event, producing reactive edges on the broken carbon fibers that react with and cross-link the one or more polymers. The composite shows improvements in mechanical properties, such as stiffness, strength and impact energy absorption.