A manufacturing process hand layup technique was used to produce carbon fiber/epoxy laminates with the epoxy matrix with a variation of 0.5 wt % to 2 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Microstructural observations of the composites from a scanning electron microscope show a better interaction between CNTs and epoxy. In this study, the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber-epoxy system and carbon fiber-CNT/epoxy system were characterized through the tensile and flexural tests. From the studies, it was found that the tensile and flexural strength of carbon fiber/epoxy laminate with CNTs are higher than those without CNTs.

Friction stir processing (FSP) stands as an effective approach designed for grain refinement and site-specific microstructural modification. The evolving microstructure during FSP is determined by various variables out of which rate of sample cooling is the key parameter. More often, FSP is conducted in naturally flowing air; however, a large number of studies are conducted by researchers across the world; stressing the importance of additional sample cooling strategy for tailoring the material microstructure. Such strategies vary not only in terms of the cooling medium used but also with regard to various other compliant conditions that must be fulfilled for the cooling process to make them successful and economically viable. This work critically reviews the most prevalent methods practiced by various researchers and industries for controlled sample cooling during and after FSP. The underlying mechanisms; advantages; disadvantages; and limitations of each procedure along with the resulting microstructure and material performances are discussed and recommendations are provided

The nickel phosphorous catalyst coating was studied on the E-glass fiber by electroless deposition using sodium hypophosphite as a reducing agent in alkaline medium. The effects of deposition time, deposition temperature, pH of the solution, and amount of stabilizer used in the solution on the coating efficiency were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The XRD indicates the presence of amorphous and crystalline phases of Ni and nickel–phosphorous (NiP). From TGA, it is evident that the NiP coating increases the thermal stability and magnetic properties of the glass fiber. The bath temperature of 80 °C, pH of 9 to 9.5, and stabilizer concentration of 25 g/l are optimum to get a good and uniform coating of NiP on glass fiber. Carbon nanotubes were successfully coated on NiP coated glass fiber at a temperature of 700 °C.