Multi-scale reinforcement of epoxy composites - Use of carbon fibre fabrics coated with an epoxy binder containing MWCNTs for improved interlaminar fracture resistance

Kinjalkumar Patel, Prasad Potluri, Zeshan Yousaf, Arthur Wilkinson

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Abstract

Epoxy multi-scale composites were produced using woven carbon fibre (CF) fabric coated with an aqueous dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in an epoxy binder. The reinforcement of the CF-epoxy interface increased inter-laminar fracture toughness (ILFT) in mode I by 234 ± 13% and in mode II by 106 ± 2%. These increases were attributed to both the binder, which alone (cured without MWCNT) increased ILFT by 87 ± 8% for mode I and 40 ± 10% for mode II, and to MWCNT pull-out and fracture. The uncured binder caused plasticisation of the matrix, which was addressed somewhat by crosslinking of the binder and further by the addition of MWCNTs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)109-119
JournalComposites. Part B: Engineering
Volume165
Early online date26 Nov 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2019

Keywords

  • Carbon fibres
  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
  • Delamination
  • Fracture toughness

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