The experimental assessment of carbon nanotubes incorporation on the tensile and impact properties of fiber metal laminate fabricated by jute/basalt fabrics-aluminum layers: As hybrid structures

Abstract

In this work, the simultaneous effect of different stacking sequences of basalt/jute fibers and adding the various weight fractions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the mechanical features of fiber metal laminates (FMLs) under the tensile and impact conditions was assessed. According to the results, the FML had the highest performance under the mechanical tests, when the jute layers were sandwiched by the basalt fibers. In contrast, by sandwiching the basalt fibers with the jute fibers, the FML showed the weakest performance just under the tensile test. This configuration had the moderate performance under the impact test. Incorporating 0.3 wt.% CNTs in all configurations caused to reach the highest improvement in the tensile strength, elastic modulus and impact energy, which were 301 MPa, 50.9 GPa, and 12.3 J, respectively. Reinforcing an adhesion between skin/core and enhancing the mechanical properties of composite core were the effective factors for improving the tensile properties. The delamination of layers, fibrillation of jute fibers, creation of imprint phenomenon, and pull out the basalt fibers were the characterized wasting mechanisms under the impact conditions.