The mechanical effect of functionalization in laminated composite material

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to systematically compare the effect of increasing fiber–matrix interface adhesion and matrix toughness in layered composite materials.Design/methodology/approachSilane ((3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane) was applied to strengthen the fiber–matrix interface connection in e-glass/epoxy laminated composite material. Using a cationic surfactant, 0.1% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to the matrix in two different ways, by with and without chemical functionalization using the vacuum infusion method.FindingsIn the results obtained from the three-point bending test specimens, it was determined that the synergistic effect of silane application and non-functionalized CNT in the matrix was higher in terms of flexural modulus and strength values.Practical implicationsThe functionalization of multi-walled CNT did not give the expected results because of reasons such as viscosity increase and agglomeration in the matrix.Originality/valueIn this study, a simple model for normalization and prediction purposes was developed, which allows the determination of the flexural modulus and un-notched flexural strength values from one test result of the notched specimen. A systematic comparison was performed by varying each parameter in the composite material.