Abstract
A novel approach for introducing aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a carbon-fibre composite pre-impregnated (prepreg) laminate, to improve the through-thickness fracture toughness, is presented. Carbon nanotube (CNT) 'forests' were grown on a silicon substrate with a thermal oxide layer, using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process. The forests were then transferred to a pre-cured laminate interface, using a combination of pressure and heat, while maintaining through-thickness CNT alignment. Standard Mode I and four-point bend end-notched flexure Mode II tests were undertaken on a set of specimens and compared with pristine specimens. Mode I fracture toughness for T700/M21 laminates was improved by an average of 31% while for T700/SE84LV specimens, an improvement of 61% was observed. Only T700/M21 specimens were tested in Mode II which yielded an average fracture toughness improvement of 161%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed good wetting of the CNT forest as well as evidence of penetration of the forest into the adjacent plies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 65-73 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Composite Structures |
| Volume | 106 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Carbon nanotubes Composite materials Fracture toughness Mode I testing Mode II testing Structural failure Carbon Composites Failure Forestry Fracture Scanning Electron Microscopy Testing Chemical vapor deposition Fracture mechanics Laminated composites Aligned carbon nanotubes Carbon-fibre composite Chemical vapour deposition Mode II Mode-i fracture toughness Mode-II fracture toughness Thermal oxide layer