Abstract
This paper presents a novel approach for introducing aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at the crack interface of pre-impregnated (prepreg) carbon fibre composite plies, creating a hierarchical (three-phase) composite structure. The aim of this approach is to improve the interlaminar fracture toughness. The developed method for transplanting the aligned CNTs from the silicon wafer onto the pre-preg material is described. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyse the effects of the transplantation method. Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens were prepared, according to ASTM standard D5528-01R07E03 [1] and aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were introduced at the crack-tip. Mode I fracture tests for pristine (control) specimens and CNT-enhanced specimens were conducted and an average increase in the critical strain energy release rate (GIc) of approximately 50 % was achieved.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 28th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS 2012) |
| Publisher | Optimage Ltd |
| Pages | 1861-1869 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Volume | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Bibliographical note
28th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS 2012)23 - 28 September 2012
Brisbane, Australia
Keywords
- Aligned CNTs Carbon fibre composites Fracture toughness Mode I tests Aerodynamics Fracture testing Fusion reactor divertors Scanning electron microscopy Silicon wafers Aligned carbon nanotubes Critical strain energy release rates Double cantilever beam Interlaminar fracture toughness Mode-i fracture toughness Cracks