Tensile Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Incorporating Nanomaterials after Exposure to Elevated Temperature

Abstract

This study experimentally examined the effect of nanomaterial on the tensile behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), and short multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized COOH (S-MWCNT-COOH) with 1% by weight were used as the primary test parameters. In the present test, S-MWCNT-COOH was more effective than the others in improving the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness of the CFRP composites. The use of S-MWCNT-COOH increased the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness of the CFRP composites by 20.7, 45.7, and 73.8%, respectively. In addition, tensile tests were carried out for CFRP composites with S-MWCNT-COOH after subjection to elevated temperatures ranging from 50 to 200°C. The test results showed that the tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness were significantly reduced with increasing temperature. At a temperature level of 100°C, the reduction of the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness was 36.5, 37.1, and 60.0%, respectively. However, for the specimens subjected to the elevated temperatures ranging from 100 to 200°C, the tensile behavioral properties were constantly maintained. Finally, various analytical models were applied to predict the tensile strength of the CFRP composites with S-MWCNT-COOH. By using the calibrated parameters, the tensile strengths predicted by the models showed good agreement with the experimental results.