Abstract
Polymer composites are gaining wide acceptance in industries for their high in-plane specific stiffness and specific strength. The damage these materials undergo are quite unique, and could limit or even prolong their usage on an even wider scale in critical sectors like the wind industry. De-lamination in laminated composites is a serious issue and could be attributed to de-bonding, matrix cracking and fibre rupture. Factors leading to delamination are weak fibre/matrix interface and brittle nature of the resins. Studies have shown that delamination could be controlled to some extend by altering the internal structure of the composites. Addition of nanotubes (CNTs) is one widely accepted method, for it has been shown that they bridge the crack growth. Six specimens classed into two groups-first without nanotubes (1.n, where DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.24.4.20535
Highlights
Multiscale nano-composites have been reported to have enhanced toughness especially with the use of nanotubes
The degree to which these properties are improved depends on a variety of factors like the way in which composites. Addition of nanotubes (CNTs) are integrated in the composites-like growing on fibres, mixed in the resin, added to fibre sizing, type of CNTs, surface functionalization, toughness of base matrix etc
As per the ASTM 5528-01[15] three methods are available for determination of determination inter-laminar fracture toughness and they are; Modified Beam Theory (MBT), Compliance Calibration method (CC) and Modified Compliance Calibration method (MCC)
Summary
Multiscale nano-composites have been reported to have enhanced toughness especially with the use of nanotubes. Similar results were obtained by Ashish Warrier et al when CNTs where used in both the matrix and the sizing [2] It could be said with fair amount of confidence that, a genuine increase in mechanical properties-fracture toughness, inter-laminar shear strength-is observed when CNTs are either deposited on the fibre or dispersed in the matrix. In either of the cases the nanotubes bridge the crack surface, thereby shielding the crack front from carrying the entire tensile load [4]. From these positive developments reported, nanotubes formed an essential part of this study. This technique allows to determine the location of the source of the emission and helps in determination of its nature [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
