Abstract
The present research work describes the fabrication and interlaminar properties testing of carbon fiber aluminum metal laminates (CARALL). CARALL was fabricated through hand layup process followed by compression molding technique and interlaminar properties were assessed through double cantilever beam (DCB) test short beam and flexural test. Different treatments were performed on the surface of aluminum alloy and parameters were optimized to ensure good adhesion between metal sheet and carbon composite layer. Pull-off adhesion test was performed to gauge the adhesion strength of epoxy resin on aluminum alloy sheet. Effect of Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was also investigated on the interlaminar properties of CARALL. Treated surface of aluminum alloy sheet was examined under Optical and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). Porous surface was evident on aluminum sample due to surface treatment which contributes towards better adhesion between epoxy resin and metal surface through mechanical interlocking and diffusion mechanism. FE-SEM and stereo microscopy was also performed on fractured DCB samples and underlying fracture mechanism was discussed. Test results demonstrated that addition of MWCNTs deteriorated the interlaminar properties of CARALL by weakening the interface between treated aluminum surface and carbon composite.
Highlights
Market demand for light weight and high strength materials has directed towards the development of new class of materials called fiber metal laminates (FML)
Carbon fiber aluminum metal laminate (CARALL) is one of the variant of FML in which aluminum metal sheet is joined with carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite
Porous aluminum structure is responsible for better resin infiltration during impregnation process of CARALL manufacturing which increases the interfacial bonding strength
Summary
Market demand for light weight and high strength materials has directed towards the development of new class of materials called fiber metal laminates (FML). FML is a kind of hybrid structure in which thin sheet of metal alloy is combined with fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite. Titanium or magnesium alloys are usually used in combination with carbon, aramid or glass fiber reinforced polymer composites to fabricate FML of desired properties [1,2]. Owing to interesting mechanical and physical characteristics of FML, like high fatigue and impact resistance, increased facture toughness, low density, less repair and long maintenance period, makes this an important candidate for structural applications in various industries. Carbon fiber aluminum metal laminate (CARALL) is one of the variant of FML in which aluminum metal sheet is joined with carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite. High stiffness of carbon fiber composite reduces the crack growth rate through crack bridging mechanism and gives CARALL an edge over its competitors i.e., GLARE and ARALL
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