Impact of the carbon nanotube reinforcement in glass/epoxy polymeric nanocomposite on the quality of fiber laser drilling

Abstract

In this work, the influence of multi-walled carbon nanotube is presented on laser drilling of multi-walled carbon nanotube–doped glass/epoxy polymeric nanocomposite. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were dispersed in polymer matrix to improve the thermal conductivity and heat transfer characteristics of materials, which also reduces the divergence in decomposition temperature of matrix and glass fiber. Effect of carbon nanotube on laser drilling–induced damages was assessed by considering heat-affected zone, taper angle, and surface roughness as output parameters. Scanning acoustic microscopy showed the useful technique to examine the laser drilling damage around the hole by providing ply-by-ply damage analysis. In addition, scanning electron microscope provided more details to better analyze the machining quality of laser-drilled hole. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis provided the elemental analysis of charred material which is deposited on the hole wall. Obtained results indicate that the quality of hole was improved significantly due to addition of multi-walled carbon nanotube in polymer matrix.