Ceramic based nanocomposites with alumina-carbon nanotube reinforcement for improved energy absorption in sports-related injuries: Microstructural analysis and low velocity impact

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating nanoparticles on the energy absorption properties of nanocomposites using low-velocity impact (LVI) testing and molecular modeling. Various types of thermoset polymer-based nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and alumina were analyzed, and the effect of adding two types of nanofillers and microfiber as a filler material was investigated. The results show that the addition of nanoparticles significantly improved the elastic energy absorption properties of the nanocomposites at the atomic level. The LVI tests demonstrated that adding both types of nanoparticles, along with microfiber, significantly enhanced the energy absorption capacity of the four-phase composite under practical conditions. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses revealed the morphology behavior of the nanoparticles. Incorporating both types of nanoparticles simultaneously with the polymer and fibers increased the elastic modulus by up to 163 %. These findings have significant implications for designing structures with energy-absorbing materials to reduce sports-related injuries. The use of nanocomposites with enhanced energy absorption properties can help to improve the performance of energy-absorbing structures and reduce the risk of sports-related injuries.