Processing, characterization, and modeling of carbon nanotube-reinforced multiscale composites
Abstract
Carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were fabricated and characterized. High-energy sonication was used to disperse CNTs in the resin, followed by infiltration of fiber preform with the resin/CNT mixture. The effects of sonication time on the mechanical properties of "multiscale" composites, which contain reinforcements at varying scales, were studied. A low CNT loading of 0.3 wt% in resin had little influence on tensile properties, while it improved the flexural modulus, strength, and percent strain to break by 11.6%, 18.0%, and 11.4%, respectively, as compared to the control carbon fiber/epoxy composite. While sonication is an effective method to disperse CNTs in a resin, duration, intensity, and temperature need to be controlled to prevent damages imposed on CNTs and premature resin curing. A combination of Halpin-Tsai equations and woven fiber micromechanics was used in hierarchy to predict the mechanical properties of multiscale composites, and the discrepancies between the predicted and experimental values are explained. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Title
Composites Science and Technology
Recommended Citation
Kim, M., Park, Y., Okoli, O., & Zhang, C. (2009). Processing, characterization, and modeling of carbon nanotube-reinforced multiscale composites. Composites Science and Technology, 69 (3-4), 335-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2008.10.019
