Improved static and dynamic mechanical properties of multiscale bucky paper interleaved Kevlar fiber composites

Abstract

Herein, the influence of bucky paper interleaves and dispersed MWCNT network on static and dynamic mechanical properties of Kevlar-epoxy composites, subjected to different loading conditions is investigated. Multiscale hybrid laminar Kevlar composites are prepared by vacuum impregnation followed by compression moulding technique. Subsequently, these hybrid composites are subjected to tensile, flexural, dynamic mechanical and low velocity impact and directly compared with basic Kevlar composite (KE) laminate. It is found that bucky paper interleaves along with dispersed MWCNT (KEBC) improve interlaminar and interfacial properties respectively. It is found that the maximum dynamic impact energy absorption and load carrying capacity of KEBC increase to 13.8 J and 2650 N respectively which shows an overall improvement of 31% over KE. These results are further confirmed by Charpy's impact test, in which maximum impact toughness reaches to 90.4 J/mm2, which is consistent with dynamic impact test results. After conducting various lab scale mechanical tests, ballistic test is also performed over KEBC and KE. It is found that, in case of KEBC, back face signature is reduced to 30% over KE, which confirms the collective effort of bucky paper interleaves and dispersed MWCNT in enhancing the energy absorption capability of hybrid laminar composite.