A new approach to self-weld the short carbon fiber (CF) into network throughout the matrix was proposed in this study.It was found that

CF owns strong interactions with nylon 6 (PA6)

and adding small amount of PA6 leads to the formation of CF-PA6 networks in the PS matrix

as shown in SEM images and reflected by the platform of storage modulus at higher temperatures.Increasing the contents of PA6 improves the storage modulus at high temperatures

and enhances the strength of the self-welded networks.As a result

the ternary composites behave a remarkable increase in the heat distortion temperature.As carbon fiber possesses superior thermal and electrical conductivity

the composites show a lower electrical percolation threshold and a higher in-plane thermal conductivity.Further analysis demonstrated that the encapsulation of PA6 on the CF surface is a kinetic process

and the storage modulus at 180 ℃ increases linearly with encapsulation ratio of PA6

NPA6.Experimental results confirm that a larger difference in viscosities between PA6 and the matrix is benefit for increasing NPA6

while a longer hot-press time promotes preferential segregation of PA6 on the CF surface and further toward the intersections of CF

and thus greatly improves the mechanical strength of the networks.