Interlaminar fracture toughness, adhesion and mechanical properties of MWCNT–glass fiber fabric composites: Effect of MWCNT aspect ratios

Abstract

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with various aspect ratios were first designed onto the glass fiber fabric (Gf), for the purpose of fabricating a series of MWCNT–glass fiber fabric (MGf) composites with controllable interlaminar fracture toughness, adhesion and mechanical properties. The dispersal ability of MWCNT on the Gf surface was closely related to its aspect ratios, which may greatly affect the toughness and strength of epoxy‐based composites. An interesting result showed that the interlaminar fracture toughness of MGf composites with MWCNT aspect ratios of ~667 to ~1333 was significantly improved. Under an optimal MWCNT aspect ratio (~1333), the interlaminar shear, tensile and flexural strength of the MGf composite were raised by 43.8, 38.2, and 34.2%, respectively, and its dynamic mechanical properties had a similar rule, as compared with neat Gf composite. Almost all the MGf composites with MWCNT exhibited some ductile fracture behavior whether in tensile or flexural tests. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1329–E1337, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Recent advancements in interface engineering of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites and their durability studies at different service temperatures

“…[38,60] Over the last decade, many researchers have tried to overcome this inherent weakness by various methods which include CF surface treatment and introduction of a secondary reinforcement through different routes. [33,61,[67][68][69][70] The objective of this review is to discuss various routes of engineering the interface and to summarize the effect of service temperature (both sub-zero and elevated temperature) on the mechanical behavior of CFRP composites based on the studies of several researchers in the past decade. The first section of the article speaks about the role of the interface in the performance of CFRP composites and also discusses various processing routes to improve the same.…”

“…[ 38,60 ] Over the last decade, many researchers have tried to overcome this inherent weakness by various methods which include CF surface treatment and introduction of a secondary reinforcement through different routes. [ 33,61,67–70 ]…”

Enhancing the Mechanical Performance of Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer Composites Using Carbon Nanotubes as an Effective Nano‐Phase Reinforcement

“…The functional groups in CNTs can significantly influence the quasi-static mechanical properties of CNT-FRPs. [50,58,69,80,81,86,87,[101][102][103] As shown in Figure 5, compared to using pristine CNTs, the incorporation of functionalized CNTs can further enhance the mechanical performance of the composites. Carboxylic groups, amino groups, and hydroxyl groups are commonly used for CNT functionalization.…”

“…What volume fraction of CNTs to introduce into FRPs is often the first consideration for the design of CNT modified FRPs. [ 53–97 ] Halpin‐Tsai equations have often been used to calculate the Young's modulus of polymer composites reinforced by high aspect‐ratio particles. The detailed relationship is shown in Equation S1, Supporting Information.…”

Microstructure, hygrothermal, and mechanical properties of interlaminar toughening of CFRP composite using polyamide veil

“…The GIC and GIIC of the composites were improved by adding polyphenylene oxide (PPO) particles. 24 Although the GIC of PEI-toughened materials has been greatly improved, GIIC and compression after impact (CAI) have been decreased. 25 Interlaminar toughening materials with thermoplastic film structure have been widely used.…”