Glass Fiber Epoxy Research Articles

Enhancing mechanical and flame retardant characteristics of glass fiber-epoxy laminated composites through MXene and functionalized-MXene integration

MXene, a 2D transition metal carbide and nitride with graphene-like layered structures, has become one of the preferred choice for nano-reinforcement in polymer matrix composites in recent years due to its outstanding properties such as specific surface area, excellent thermal and mechanical characteristics, and high conductivity. In this study, the glass fiber-epoxy laminated composites reinforced with Ti3C2Tx-MXene (M)/ functionalized-MXene (FM) were produced using the hand lay-up procedure followed by vacuum bagging process. The effects of varying filler amounts (0.125, 0.25, 0.375, and 0.5%) on the mechanical and flame retardancy properties of glass fiber-epoxy composites were examined. In both M and FM reinforced composites, the highest values of mechanical strengths were obtained with a 0.25% filler, while a decrease in mechanical strengths was observed beyond this reinforcement amount. The 0.25 wt% FM-reinforced composite exhibited 19.21%, 27.55%, and 12.40% higher tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear strengths (ILSS) than the pristine glass fiber-epoxy composite (N-C). Post-test analysis revealed the presence of matrix cracks, fiber breakage, and fiber pull-out damages were observed on the surfaces of composite samples. The flame retardant properties of the composites were enhanced with the addition of MXene reinforcement, and 0.5FM-C exhibited 25.50% lower burning rate than N-C.

Effect of graphene nano-platelets on the low-velocity-impact and compression-after-impact strength of the glass fiber epoxy composite laminates

Detecting the low-velocity impact damage on the FRP composite structures can be challenging because the visible signs on the surface may be subtle. Mitigating the effects of BVID (Barely Visible Impact Damage) is crucial in ensuring the safety and reliability of composite components, especially in industries where these materials are commonly used, such as aerospace and automotive. This article explores the experimental investigations of the impact and post-impact damage propagation under compression in the Graphene Nano-Platelets (GNPs) infused glass fiber epoxy composite laminates. A comparative study of varying the percentage of the nano-platelets (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75%) in the matrix material of the composite laminate is presented. The impact tests at low energies (15 J, 20 J, and 25 J), followed by the quasi-static compression tests, are carried out as per the procedures mentioned in the ASTM D7136/D7137. The digital image correlation technique (DIC) is used to measure strains and plot the strain field on the impacted face of the specimen under compression. Damage envelopes of the impact and compression tests are studied using X-ray CT scans. Micro-level failures are observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to get better insights into the failure mechanism of the composite materials under impact and compression loadings. Upon completing the study, it is found that the addition of the GNP into the matrix materials not only increased the impact performance but also increased the load-carrying capacity of the laminate under compressive loading. A decrement of 2–21% in the energy absorbed in the damage formation is seen with the incorporation of GNPs into composite materials. A maximum increment of 17% in the compressive strength is observed for the composite laminates with the 0.75% GNPs. However, for a particular percentage of the GNP, the compressive strength of the laminate is reduced with an increase in impact energy compared with its virgin counterpart. From X-ray CT scans, it is seen that the laminate under the compression tests fails due to excessive ply-splitting and the delamination at the damage site created during the impact. Fiber breakage, fiber brooming, matrix cracking, fiber-matrix debonding, etc., are some of the other failure modes observed in SEM studies.

Characterisation of Nano Aluminium Oxide Filled Hybrid Cotton Glass FRP Composite Structures

Natural fiber-based composite manufacturing is now an expanding field of study, and it is the preferred option not only because of its exceptional qualities such as light weight, rigidity, low density and superior mechanical properties, but also because it is affordable, biodegradable, fully or mostly recyclable and renewable. A Glass Fibre is a type of Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) made of tiny glass fibers embedded in a plastic matrix. Hybridization of natural and synthetic fibres has to be done to overcome the shortfall of these fibres. When compared to single Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites, fibre-reinforced hybrid composites offer improved mechanical, thermal, and damping characteristics. The goal of this research is to see how Nano Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) fillers affect the characteristics of hybrid cotton-glass FRP composites. The vacuum bagging technique was used to make nano Al2O3 particles - hybrid cotton-glass FRP composites out of glass fibre chopped strand mat, cotton fabric, epoxy resin, and nano-Al2O3 fillers. The nano Al2O3 fillers were integrated in different weight (wt.) ratios in the FRP and the effect on tensile, flexural and impact properties were examined.

Influence of glass-fiber epoxy coating on bond behavior of FRCM systems with different internal and external CMLs

FRCM composite systems display outstanding capabilities for the reinforcement of existing structures. Their modeling is challenging for the numerous damage scenarios and sources of non-linearity; also, test methods for mechanical characterization are still debated. In this study, six different FRCM systems were considered by combining the same glass-fiber textile, dry or epoxy-coated, and three different matrices based on cement, lime, and gypsum binders. The experimental results of the single shear tests highlighted the beneficial effect of the epoxy resin coating that greatly improves the fiber-matrix adhesion capacity in terms of stress, although nullifying the smooth softening behavior, resulting in brittle failure of the textile. Then, an analytical model aimed at calibrating the CMLs and predicting the corresponding global load slip diagram of the six systems is proposed. The assumptions considered are that the internal and external interfaces experience two different shear stress-slip laws and that the brick and both the matrix layers are rigid.

EFFECT OF FILLER CONTENT AND SIZE ON THE FLEXURAL STRENGTH AND HARDNESS OF PURE IRON POWDER FILLED LAMINATED FIBERGLASS EPOXY COMPOSITES

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of the amount of pure iron powder (99.9987%), introduced as a filler in a glass-epoxy composite laminate, as well as the variation of its grain dimensions, on its flexure strength and hardness. Contact molding was used to produce laminate plates of 15, 20, and 25% of weight content with three different dimensions 92, 64, and 32 μm, and the fiberglass content was set at 30%. For the bending test, the specimens were prepared according to ISO 14125 standard specification, the test was carried out with three different speeds, and the required number of specimens were manufactured according to Taguchi's orthogonal array L9 (3 × 3) by varying three parameters (iron powder content, grain size, and test speed). The results were studied with the Taguchi method; however, the hardness was measured on plates with the same iron powder content while varying the dimensions of its grains (92, 64, and 32 μm). The results show that the pure iron powder content and dimension variations have a direct and clear influence on the composite material's mechanical characteristics, in such a way that: a specific percentage of filler and grains size reduction could widely increase the hardness as well as the material flexure strength. The results of the elaborated composite material's bending test were compared to a 45% glass-epoxy laminate. Whereas the hardness of the elaborated laminate was compared to a resin plate and the 45% glass-epoxy laminate.

Aging Characteristics and Lifespan Prediction of 3240 Fiberglass Epoxy Material under Pulse Electrical Aging

Aging Characteristics and Lifespan Prediction of 3240 Fiberglass Epoxy Material under Pulse Electrical Aging

A comparative study of static and fatigue performance of glass and basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites

AbstractThis work compares the tensile and fatigue behavior of unidirectional glass fiber/epoxy (GFRPs) and basalt fiber/epoxy (BFRPs) composites manufactured using vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM). The tensile and fatigue tests are performed, and results show that both GFRPs and BFRPs have very similar tensile behavior, whereas BFRPs perform better than the GFRPs in terms of fatigue life and degradation of properties, showing about 75 MPa more fatigue limit. The S–N curve shows that BFRPs resist fatigue failure and stiffness degradation due to their better interfacial adhesion. Fractographic observations reveal fatigue failure mechanisms of both BFRPs and GFRPs. From the regression analysis performed, an S–N curve was fitted with a model available in the literature, and regression parameters were calculated. Dynamic mechanical analysis of both BFRPs and GFRPs was performed to evaluate parameters like glass transition temperature, storage modulus, and loss modulus. From the findings of this research, BFRPs may be recommended as a suitable alternative to GFRPs.Highlights This article compares the tension–tension fatigue properties of unidirectional GFRPs and BFRPs. From the research work, the authors found that BFRPs perform better than GFRPs under fatigue loading. The stiffness degradation behavior of GFRPs and BFRPs are studied and compared. Scanning electron micrographs of fractured samples are used to observe fatigue failure mechanisms. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed to determine the storage modulus, loss modulus, glass transition temperature, and damping coefficient (tanδ) for both composites.

Effect of Thermomechanical Loading at Low Temperatures on Damage Development in Glass Fiber Epoxy Laminates.

Due to the high interest in the use of glass/epoxy laminates in aerospace applications, aviation, and as cryogenic tanks, it is crucial to understand the behavior of composites under challenging environmental conditions. Polymer composites are exposed to low temperatures, including cryogenic temperatures, which can lead to the initiation of microdamage. This paper investigates damage initiation/accumulation and its influence on the properties of cross-ply woven glass fiber epoxy composites at low temperatures compared to room temperature conditions. To evaluate the influence of a low-temperature environment on the mechanical performance of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite (GFRP) laminates, three types of test campaigns were carried out: quasi-static tensile tests and stepwise increasing loading/unloading cyclic tensile tests at room temperature and in a low-temperature environment (-50 °C). We demonstrated that the initial stiffness of the laminates increased at low temperatures. On the other hand, there were no observed changes in the type or mechanism of developed damage in the two test conditions. However, the reduction in stiffness due to the accumulated damage was more significant for the laminates tested at low temperatures (~17% vs. ~11%). Exceptions were noted in a few formulations where the extent of damage at low temperatures was insignificant (<1%) compared to that at room temperature. Since some of the studied laminates exhibited a relatively minor decrease in stiffness (~2-3%), we can also conclude that the formulation of matrix material plays an important role in delaying the initiation and formation of damage.

Influence of single and multi-walled CNT on the mechanical performance of glass fiber hybrid polymer composites

The structural materials of the twenty-first century have evolved with the inclusion of nano scale materials which can be utilized to improve the performances of the materials significantly. One of such widely adopted nano material is carbon nano tubes (CNTs) which can further be categorized as single walled and multi walled CNTs (SWCNT and MWCNT). Similarly, glass fiber reinforced polymer composites (GFRP) are a promising material for a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, aircraft components, boat hulls, wind turbine blades, and construction materials. Research by material designers continues to explore new avenues for further improving properties of GFRP composites by using nanomaterials and other advanced materials. In the present work, a new class of polymeric composite material is developed with different filler loading (i.e., 1% to 5% with a step of 1%) of single and multi-walled CNT with glass fiber as reinforcement phase. The tensile and flexural strengths of the hybrid nano composites were determined. The incorporation of CNT with glass fiber epoxy composites strengthened the matrix phase thereby enhancing the tensile and flexural strengths of the developed composites. Further, the obtained experimental findings outlined that the multi walled carbon nano tube filler provided optimum tensile and flexural strength among developed composites due to the better interphase bonding with multi walled structure of MWCNT filler structure. Further, the microscopic analysis of the fractured surfaces was conducted to analyze different mechanisms leading to failure of composite materials during loading.

Thermal-fluid-structure coupling progressive failure analysis for the type III composite cylinder under localized fire

Predicting the failure characteristics of composite cylinders under fire is the key to improve the fire resistance and safety of cylinders. However, the current thermal-mechanical coupled failure analysis methods for composite cylinders under fire have several limitations such as oversimplification of the cylinder dome's geometric model and the fire source. To solve these problems, a comprehensive three-dimensional thermal-fluid-structure coupling progressive failure analysis method is developed. This method encompasses a fully coupled conjugate heat transfer model, a FLUENT-ABAQUS data transfer method, and a progressive failure analysis model integrates the Hashin failure criterion and nonlinear damage evolution for fiber reinforced composites. The method is adopted to analyze the fire-resistant performance of a type Ⅲ cylinder to obtain the fire-resistant time, failure pressure and burst location of the cylinder, finding that the pattern of failure pressure depreciation correlates with the burst location of cylinder under localized fire. Besides, the influence of the glass-fiber/epoxy layer on the fire-resistant performance of the cylinder is discussed, demonstrating that even a thin layer of glass-fiber epoxy can significantly increase the fire resistance time of the cylinder.

Effects of silica nanoparticles on glass and carbon fiber epoxy composites

Effects of silica nanoparticles on glass and carbon fiber epoxy composites

Enhancing the mechanical performance of E‐glass fiber epoxy composites using coal‐derived graphene oxide

AbstractIn this study, we compare the effect of various precursor‐based graphene oxide (GO) nanofillers on enhancing the mechanical performance of E‐glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin composites (EGFPs). GO derived from bituminous coal (BC‐GO) and graphite (Gr‐GO) were dispersed into an epoxy resin matrix. The resulting mixture was combined with E‐glass fiber mats using vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding. Notable improvements (38.9% in flexural strength, 22.9% in tensile strength, and 21.6% in impact strength) were observed in BC‐GO‐reinforced EGFPs at 0.25 phr loading of BC‐GO. The improvements for Gr‐GO‐reinforced EGFPs were 28%, 9.3%, and 6.8%, respectively. XRD analysis of BC‐GO showed a diffraction peak at 2θ = 20.9°. Except for this peak, no other crystalline peaks were observed when BC‐GO was incorporated into EGFPs. FTIR spectra of both composite samples, with or without the nanofiller, were similar due to the spectral peaks overlap. TEM demonstrated the exfoliated morphology of BC‐GO in EGFPs. These findings underscore the potential of BC‐GO as a cost‐effective reinforcement for polymer nanocomposites across various industrial applications, including the development of lightweight and strong materials for aerospace and automotive industries, protective coatings, petroleum, and aerospace production systems.Highlights BC‐GO demonstrates superior mechanical performance compared to Gr‐GO in EGFPs. 0.25 phr BC‐GO improves 38.9% flexural, 22.9% tensile, and 21.6% impact strengths. Beyond 0.25 phr, BC‐GO and Gr‐GO showed a decline in mechanical enhancement. Role of particle size, loading &amp; adhesion to matrix analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and DLS. Coal‐GO is an attractive alternative nanofiller for EGFPs.

An insight into the effect of carbon nanofillers in glass fibre epoxy nanocomposites through dielectric spectroscopy

Interfacial characteristics of nanocomposites are critical limiting factors in the design of polymer nanocomposites. The nanocomposites have complex structures and play a pivotal role in controlling functional properties. Analysis of interfacial layers in polymer nanocomposites, existing between the polymer matrix and the nanoparticles plays a major role in determining their characteristics. High-frequency analysis of electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of carbon nanofillers which are embedded in an epoxy matrix were analysed using alternating current dielectric spectra. This article provides a correlation between the electrical transport properties and dielectric behaviour of epoxy carbon nanocomposites at different temperatures are investigated with variations in frequency. Electrical transport properties of nanocomposites are primarily dictated by electron tunnelling and matrix, nanofillers conductivity. Dielectric spectroscopy in the frequency range 10 Hz–8 MHz has been performed on epoxy nanocomposites with and without hybrid carbon nanofillers at one weight percentage (2:3 ratio). Dominant dielectric relaxation mode is observed in the base composite at a low-frequency region (≥10 Hz), whereas nanocomposite with hybrid carbon nanofillers is observed to induce two dielectric relaxations in the kHz region. Increase in non-monotonic variations in dielectric spectra makes the nanocomposite suitable for high temperature low sag conductor core, aerospace and cryogenic engineering applications.

Advanced lithium disilicate: A comparative evaluation of translucency and fatigue failure load to other ceramics for monolithic restorations

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the surface roughness, translucency, fatigue failure load (FFL), and number of cycles for fatigue failure (CFF) of a recently released lithia-based material called advanced lithium disilicate and three other ceramics indicated for monolithic restorations. First, ALD (advanced lithium disilicate, CEREC Tessera, Dentsply Sirona), LD (lithium disilicate, IPS e. max CAD, Ivoclar), LS (lithium silicate-disilicate, Suprinity, Vita Zahnfabrik), and 4Y-PSZ (Yttria-stabilized zirconia, IPS e.max ZirCAD MT, Ivoclar) discs (n = 15, Ø = 10 mm and thickness = 1.0 mm) were fabricated from CAD/CAM blocks/discs, A2 shade. The discs were sintered/crystallized and subsequently analyzed by a rugosimeter (Mitutoyo SJ-410) to determine Ra and Rz surface roughness parameters. Next, they were evaluated to determine the translucency parameter (TP) using a bench-top spectrophotometer (SP60, EX-Rite). The discs were subsequently cemented to glass fiber epoxy resin discs, and the specimens were tested under cyclic loading (Step-test), immersed in distilled water at a frequency of 20 Hz, with an initial cyclic load of 200 N for 5,000 cycles and increments of 50 N every 10,000 cycles until failure. Fatigue failure load (FFL) and number of cycles for fatigue failure (CFF) were recorded for subsequent Kaplan Meier analysis, with post-hoc Mantel-Cox and Weibull analysis (α = 0.05). Complementary fractographic, topographic and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses (EDS) were performed. 4Y-PSZ showed higher survival (p < 0.05), with higher FFL and CFF (1077 N; 180,333 cycles), followed by LD (980 N; 161,000 cycles), LS (937 N; 152,333 cycles) and ALD (910 N; 147,000 cycles). No differences were observed between the tested groups regarding Weibull modulus. ALD presented TP (28.14) equal to DL (28.27) and higher than LS (25.51). All lithia-based materials had higher translucency than 4Y-PSZ (TP = 8.62) (p < 0.05). ALD appears to have a similar elemental composition to LD and LSD for oxygen and silicon. ALD and LSD have a similar zirconium content. Fractures originated on the cemented surface of the ceramic discs. Lithia-based ceramics showed lower surface roughness, with ALD (Ra = 0.04 μm; Rz = 0.66 μm) showing the lowest values (p < 0.05). Despite showing lower FFL when compared to LD and 4Y-PSZ, ALD has compatible translucency and mechanical fatigue performance with its indication for fabricating monolithic, anterior and posterior adhesively cemented single-unit restorations. However, further studies are needed to substantiate its clinical performance.

Experimental and simulated study on continuous laser ablation of glass fiber epoxy resin plate

The airflow with high temperature and speed will produce severe ablative effect on the object by damaging the material and its internal structure. In this paper, five different powers of continuous laser were used to experimentally study the change of glass fiber epoxy resin laminates during the ablation process. The thermal field and chemical field were coupled and introduced in this study based on the finite element model, the mass loss results obtained by simulation are in good agreement, R2 ≥ 0.976, with the experimental results. It is found that the temperature of sample increases rapidly in early time under different power of laser ablation, and the difference in the range of the high temperature region (T > 710 °C) is small, while the difference in the range of ultra-high temperature region (T > 1400 °C) is relatively larger, and the larger the laser power is, the larger the ultrahigh temperature region is. This study is helpful to understand the change mechanism of materials during ablation, and is of great significance to prevent ablation damage and enhance thermal protection performance.

Toward tailoring the mechanical and dielectric properties of short glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites

AbstractGlass fiber‐reinforced polymer‐matrix (GFRP) composites are used to manufacture devices such as radomes, electrical insulators, and radar‐absorbing structures, many of which are used in applications with strict mechanical and dielectric property requirements. As such, designs and properties of GFRP composite materials should be regularly improved to guarantee their safe operation and meet their constantly evolving application requirements. In this study, glass fiber (GF) particles and epoxy resin 128 (EP‐128) were used to manufacture high‐performance EP/GF‐X composites with GF particle contents ranging from 5% to 40%. An investigation into their mechanical and dielectric properties revealed that EP/GF‐20 composite specimens presented the best mechanical performance with their bending strength and modulus reaching 159.68 MPa and 6521.92 MPa, respectively, and an average dielectric constant of 4.862 within the 10–105 Hz frequency range. A theoretical analysis of the EP/GF‐X composite specimens' dielectric constants using classic dielectric models based on the Lichtenecker, Bruggeman, Jaysundere‐Smith, and Maxwell‐Garnett rule‐of‐mixture equations indicated that the dielectric model based on the Bruggeman rule‐of‐mixture equation provided the dielectric constants closest to the measured values with a maximum deviation of less than −0.321% for EP/GF‐40 composites. This study provides a feasible strategy to control the mechanical and dielectric properties of GFRP composites.Highlights Glass fiber (GF) particles and epoxy 128 (EP‐128) resin were used to manufacture high‐performance glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy (EP/GF‐X) composites. The composite manufacturing process was carefully controlled to ensure uniform distribution and orientation of GF particles in the EP‐128 resin. The mechanical and dielectric properties of the manufactured EP/GF‐X composites were effectively tailored by controlling the content and distribution of GF particles in the EP‐128 resin matrix. The dielectric constants of the EP/GF‐X composites were measured experimentally and predicted using various theoretical dielectric models. The Bruggeman model provided the dielectric constants of the EP/GF‐X composites closest to the measured values.

Mechanical Properties of Textile-Reinforced Composites with a 3D Printed Core

Abstract The article discusses the mechanical properties of glass fiber epoxy composites with three types of textile structures. Braided, knitted and woven sleeves were placed on a 3D printed flat core and impregnated with resin using the vacuum bag method. The 3-point flexural and tensile tests were performed. The results were compared with those of 3D-printed flat bars and proved that woven textile structures increase the strength and modulus of elasticity, whereas braided and knitted structures only increase the moduli. The advantages, drawbacks and failure modes of each reinforcement structure are also discussed including the drapeability on the spatial core.

Development of cashew nut shell lignin-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene 3D printed core and industrial hemp/aluminized glass fiber epoxy biocomposite for morphing wing and unmanned aerial vehicle applications

The aim of this study was to develop a lightweight epoxy based biocomposite for morphing wing and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. The proposed composite was developed using a 3D printed high stiffness lignin-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) core and industrial hemp with aluminized glass fiber epoxy skin. The ABS was reinforced using lignin macromolecule derived from cashew nut shells via twin screw extruder and the core was printed using an industrial grade 3D printer. Furthermore, the composites were prepared by compression moulding with an ABS-lignin core and hemp/aluminized GF surface and characterized according to respective American society of testing and materials (ASTM) standards. The findings indicate that the addition of 30 vol% Al-glass and hemp fiber with lignin strengthened ABS core improved the mechanical properties. The composite material designated as “E2” exhibits the maximum mechanical properties, providing tensile strength, flexural strength, Izod impact, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and compression values of, 136 MPa, 168 MPa, 4.82 kJ/m2, 21 MPa, and 155 MPa respectively. The maximal energy absorbed by composite designation “E2,” during drop load impact test is 20.6 J. Similarly, the composite designation “E2”gives fatigue life cycles of 33,709, 25,781 and 19,633 for 50 %, 70 % and 90 % of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and 32.5 (K1c) MPa⋅m and 0.76 (G1c) MJ/m2 in fracture toughness and energy release rate respectively.

Enhanced extreme temperature bending and delamination resistance of GFRP composites through z-directional aligned nano-reinforcement: Emphasizing the effects of CNT functionalization

Laminated FRP composites' weak out-of-plane mechanical performance prevents their usage in structural applications where homogeneous load bearing qualities are required. In this regard, a z-directional nano-reinforcement approach was implemented to mitigate the poor in-plane shear and out-of-plane response of laminated glass fiber epoxy (GE) composites under extreme in-service temperature conditions. CNT and functionalized CNT (FCNT) were dispersed separately in the GE composites' epoxy matrix and subjected to a z-direction electric field alignment treatment. Flexural and short beam shear tests of GE composites with random and aligned CNT/FCNT were performed at room temperature, in-situ cryogenic and elevated temperature conditions (RT, CT and ET, respectively). GE composite with aligned FCNT (A-FCNT-GE) consistently outperformed other composites at all considered temperatures with remarkable improvements, specifically ∼39%, ∼41% and ∼47% in flexural strength, and ∼30%, ∼30%, and ∼24% in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) over the control GE composite at RT, CT and ET, respectively. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis suggested that the synergetic impact of functionalization and alignment of FCNT improved the viscoelastic properties of the A-FCNT-GE composite across a range of temperature conditions. Fractography analysis provided insight into the interfacial and interlayer mechanisms that improved the extreme temperature condition mechanical performance. The reliability of electric field aligned FCNT as a z-directional nano-reinforcement in laminated composites at extreme temperature conditions was established in this study.

Quasi-static puncture shear loading behaviour MWCNT/glass fibre epoxy laminates with various indenters

Investigation was performed to evaluate the puncture resistance of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/glass fibre epoxy laminate composites using different indenters (conical, elliptical, flat, and hemispherical). For the puncture tests, MWCNT weight percentage and indenter type were varied. Furthermore, the impact of MWCNT on tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear strength was evaluated. Ultrasonic C-scan provided insights into the damage evolution and failure mechanisms of the laminates under puncture. The results indicate that the flat indenter exhibits prolonged indentation time and enhanced energy absorption, resulting in a disc-shaped failure pattern. On the other hand, the conical indenter demonstrates rapid penetration due to its smaller contact surface area. The elliptical indenter generates higher frictional energy, leading to bulging damage. The hemispherical indenter showed an even distribution of force across the impacted surface, minimizing force concentration and reducing the extent of damage. These findings shed light on the puncture mechanisms of MWCNT/Glass fibre epoxy laminate composites, paving the way for more precise glass fibre laminate composite design and optimisation in practical applications such as aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods, where puncture loading is a critical consideration.