Abstract
Triaxial E-glass fabric/CNCs/epoxy composites were fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin infusion procedure. CNCs/epoxy mixtures were prepared through dispersing various amounts of CNCs within two different mixing mediums, i.e., mixture of epoxy/curing agent (technique EC) and curing agent (technique C). The effects of mixing medium (curing agent vs resin system) and CNC concentration (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 wt%) on tensile modulus, tensile strength and fracture toughness of the composite samples were evaluated as a novel theoretical attempt. Fracture behaviors of composite samples containing a circular hole were investigated based on energy method developed by Griffith & Irwin in fracture mechanics. Incorporation of 0.25 wt% CNCs within epoxy matrix via technique C yielded an increase of 21.1 % in fracture toughness. Enhancements in critical crack length (16.06 %) and critical energy release rate (88 %) of CNCs-modified composites through technique C propose additional energy absorption during fracture.
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