Abstract
In this investigation, various loadings of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) ranging from 0.3–1.0 wt % were incorporated into the epoxy to fabricate the nanocomposites. Nanocomposite film with a thickness of 0.2 mm was deposited on an aluminum substrate through a hot-pressing process. Theoretical expression of the model II strain energy release rate for the film/substrate composite structure was derived. End-notched flexure (ENF) tests were performed to characterize the mode II fracture energy of the composite structure. Experimental results indicate that the elastic modulus, ultimate strength, and mode II fracture energy increase as the MWCNT loading in the nanocomposite increases. In the case of nanocomposite film with 1.0 wt % of MWCNTs, the elastic modulus, ultimate strength, and mode II interfacial fracture toughness are increased by 20.6%, 21.1%, and 54.4%, respectively in comparison with neat epoxy. In addition, the dispersion of MWCNTs in the epoxy-based matrix was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM images depict that MWCNTs are well dispersed leading to the enhancement of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite.
Highlights
Materials play a crucial role in advanced engineering structures
Zakaria et al [16] reported that the flexural modulus, strength, and dielectric constant of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy composites were increased by 35%, 30%, and 20%, respectively, in comparison with neat epoxy
The influence of MWCNTs loading on the fracture toughness and tensile properties of the nanocomposite film was investigated through a series of experimental tests
Summary
Materials play a crucial role in advanced engineering structures. There is always a strong demand to employ novel materials with enhanced properties in industry. Quan et al [33] conducted the end loaded split (ELS) test to investigate the effect of MWCNTs on the model II fracture energy of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Three-point bending tests were carried out on the ENF specimens to evaluate the strain energy release rate of the film/substrate composite structure under mode II loading. The influence of MWCNTs loading on the fracture toughness and tensile properties of the nanocomposite film was investigated through a series of experimental tests. The mode II fracture analysis of the nanocomposite film/Al substrate composite structure with interTTfahhceeiamlmeoodddgeeeIcIIIrfarfcarkcatcwuturaerseacnoaannldaylusyicsstieosdf otohfnethanneanenonacdno-omncooptmochspietodesfifitlleemxfiu/Alrmel /(sAEuNbl sFstu)rabstpseterccaoitmme epcnoomssiutpbeojsestcirttueecdtsuttorruetchwtrueirtehewipnoitteihnrftianbcteieanrldfeaidnciggaelaescdrialglcueksctwrraaactsekdcwoinnadsFucicgotunerddeuo2cn.teTadhneoeninndate-nnrfeoantccdiha-lendcortfaclcehkxeudisreflloe(cExauNterFed)(asEtpNtehcFei)mesdpengecesiumtobejaendctsoeupdbt jtteohcettehsdrliedteoetpdhoerifenoetr-mpboeanitnidotinbnegdnuadseinitloglutashsterialfltlueexdsturiraneteFodifgitunhreeFic2gr.uaTcrhkee2re.ingTtiheorenf.ainctiaelrfcarcaicakl cisralcokcaisteldocaattethdeaetdthgee etodgaedotoptadthoepstltidhee sdleidfoerdmeafotiromnadtuioentodutheetoflethxeurfleeoxuf rtheeocf rtahcekcrreagckiorne.gion. The deflections at B and D can be determined from the Euler beam theory as follows
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