Composite Material and Reinforcing Fiber

Abstract

Provided are a composite material and a reinforced fiber. The composite material ( 1 ) includes a fiber ( 3 ) and a plurality of carbon nanotubes ( 5 ) disposed on a surface of the fiber ( 3 ). The carbon nanotubes ( 5 ) adhere directly to the surface of the fiber ( 3 ). The composite material and the reinforced fiber exhibit both of intrinsic functions of the fiber and functions, such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength, derived from CNTs.

1 . A composite material comprising:
 a fiber; and   a plurality of carbon nanotubes disposed on a surface of the fiber, wherein   the carbon nanotubes adhere directly to the surface of the fiber.   
     
     
         2 . The composite material according to  claim 1 , wherein the carbon nanotubes adhere directly to the surface of the fiber, without any intervening material. 
     
     
         3 . The composite material according to  claim 2 , wherein the intervening material includes at least a dispersing agent. 
     
     
         4 . The composite material according to any one of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the fiber has a diameter of approximately 3 to 150 μm. 
     
     
         5 . The composite material according to  claim 4 , wherein the fiber is a carbon fiber. 
     
     
         6 . The composite material according to any one of  claims 1  to  5 , wherein the carbon nanotubes include multi-walled carbon nanotubes each having a length of 0.1 to 50 μm and a diameter of 30 nm or less. 
     
     
         7 . The composite material according to  claim 6 , wherein the carbon nanotube has a diameter of 20 nm or less. 
     
     
         8 . A reinforced fiber comprising:
 the composite material according to any one of  claims 1  to  7 ; and   a resin composition covering a surface of the composite material.