Localization of carbon nanotubes in resin rich zones of a woven composite linked to the dispersion state

Alexander Haesch,Thijs Clarkson,Jan Ivens,Stepan V Lomov,Ignaas Verpoest,Larissa Gorbatikh

doi:10.1080/20550324.2015.1117306

Alexander Haesch, Thijs Clarkson + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/20550324.2015.1117306

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Abstract

The final position of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a fiber-reinforced composite and its mechanical properties can be influenced by the dispersion quality of CNTs in the resin. This topic is investigated here on the example of a woven glass fiber/epoxy composite. Two different localization states of CNTs in the composite are achieved by choosing matrices with two different dispersion states but the same CNT concentration. The two investigated states of dispersion are (1) a uniform dispersion with small CNT agglomerates and (2) an interconnected dispersion where CNTs form a network with large features. The uniform dispersion results in a better distribution of CNTs throughout the composite with CNTs also appearing inside the fiber bundles. The network-like dispersion, on the other hand, tends to localize CNTs in resin rich zones. The composite with CNTs in the resin rich zones has a higher strain-to-failure (by 10%) and a lower density of transverse cracks (by 29%) in comparison with a virgin composite. In the meantime, a lower strain-to-failure and about the same crack density are measured for the composite where CNTs appear in small individual agglomerates.

Highlights

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely explored in recent years as a reinforcing component of polymers in combination with conventional fibers such as continuous glass or carbon fibers.[1]
The final position of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a fiber-reinforced composite and its mechanical properties can be influenced by the dispersion quality of CNTs in the resin
The uniform dispersion results in a better distribution of CNTs throughout the composite with CNTs appearing inside the fiber bundles

Summary

Introduction

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely explored in recent years as a reinforcing component of polymers in combination with conventional fibers such as continuous glass or carbon fibers.[1]. From the point of view of the mechanical performance, the benefit of adding carbon nanotubes to a composite is expected in the improvement of its overall toughness. The latter can be realized through strengthening of the fiber/matrix interface, suppressing formation of transverse cracks, hindering onset, and propagation of delaminations.[2,3,4,5] Processing parameters for the production of these nanoengineered composites often need to be modified as CNTs can change behavior of the constituents. CNTs in the resin can change its viscosity[6] and CNTs grown on fibers can alter their compressibility.[7]

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