An investigation of Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness enhancement using aligned carbon nanotubes forests at the crack interface

作者：Falzon Brian G^*; Hawkins Stephen C; Huynh Chi P; Radjef Racim; Brown Callum

来源：Composite Structures, 2013, 106: 65-73.

DOI：10.1016/j.compstruct.2013.05.051

• Carbon nanotubes
• Composite materials
• Structural failure
• Mode I testing
• Mode II testing
• Fracture toughness

A novel approach for introducing aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a carbon-fibre composite pre-impregnated (prepreg) laminate, to improve the through-thickness fracture toughness, is presented. Carbon nanotube (CNT) %26apos;forests%26apos; were grown on a silicon substrate with a thermal oxide layer, using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process. The forests were then transferred to a pre-cured laminate interface, using a combination of pressure and heat, while maintaining through-thickness CNT alignment. Standard Mode I and four-point bend end-notched flexure Mode II tests were undertaken on a set of specimens and compared with pristine specimens. Mode I fracture toughness for T700/M21 laminates was improved by an average of 31% while for T700/SE84LV specimens, an improvement of 61% was observed. Only T700/M21 specimens were tested in Mode II which yielded an average fracture toughness improvement of 161%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed good wetting of the CNT forest as well as evidence of penetration of the forest into the adjacent plies.

• 出版日期2013-12
• 单位CSIRO