Quasi-static and cyclic interlaminar cracking behavior of glass fiber/MWCNT/epoxy hybrid composites

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the interlaminar cracking behavior of S-2 Glass fiber reinforced composites made with two different carbon nanotube modified epoxy matrix materials in quasi-static and cyclic loadings. Two types of MWCNTs were used: pristine long CNTs and carboxyl-functionalized short CNTs (COOH-CNTs). COOH-CNTs were also mixed into epoxy at 2 weight % and applied as a discrete interlayer between fiber reinforced plies. The mode I and mode II interlaminar cracking behaviors in quasi-static and cyclic loadings were characterized by the double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens and the end-notched flexure (ENF) tests, respectively. The quasi-static test results showed improvement in mode I onset fracture toughness by adding either type of CNTs and improvement in mode II onset fracture toughness by adding COOH-CNTs. The cyclic test results showed slower crack growth rate in both mode I and mode II cyclic loading for the COOH-CNT reinforced composite. Microscope analysis of the fracture surfaces showed better dispersion of the COOH-CNTs than the pristine CNTs in the epoxy resin.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1851-1864
Number of pages14
JournalAnnual Forum Proceedings - AHS International
Volume3
StatePublished - Nov 15 2010
Event66th Forum of the American Helicopter Society: "Rising to New Heights in Vertical Lift Technology", AHS Forum 66 - Phoenix, AZ, United States
Duration: May 11 2010May 13 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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