An experimental study on the effects of introducing carbon nanotube on low velocity impact behavior of carbon/aramid fiber reinforced intra-ply hybrid composites

Abstract

In this research, the addition effects of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) on low velocity impact behavior of Carbon/Aramid Fiber Reinforced (CAFRP) intra-ply hybrid composites were studied. In this regard, three types of pure, 0.1 wt.% and 0.5 wt.% introduced CAFRP intra-ply hybrid composites were fabricated by Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) method. The profile energy method was used to determine the penetration and perforation threshold. The main purpose of this research was to improve the impact behavior of CAFRP by addition of MWCNT to the matrix of these composites. The low velocity impact test was also carried out in 30, 50, 80 and 120 J energy values. The effect of addition MWCNTs in the matrix of composite was investigated by plotting force, absorbed energy and deflection vs. time and the key parameters of impact test such as maximum contact force, absorbed energy, deflection and duration time were compared for pure and multi scale CAFRP composited. According to the results, the addition of MWCNT improved the low velocity impact behavior of CAFRP intra-ply hybrid composites by not only increasing the toughness of epoxy matrix but also upgrade the adhesion of carbon fibers to the epoxy matrix. It was also found that fiber breakage, fiber pull out, matrix cracking, delamination and fiber matrix debonding were the most important failure modes in these types of tested composites.

Keywords:

• Carbon fiber
• Kevlar
• multi wall carbon nanotube
• intra-ply hybrid
• low velocity impact

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support of Technical and Vocational University (TUV) and University of Bonab.