Processing, Characterization and Modeling Carbon Nanotube Modified Interfaces in Hybrid Polymer Matrix Composites

Multifunctional hybrid composites are proposed as novel solutions to meet the demands in various industrial applications ranging from aerospace to biomedicine. The combination of carbon fibers and/or fabric, metal foil and carbon nanotubes are utilized to develop such composites. This study focuses on processing of and fracture toughness characterization of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMC) and the CNT modified interface between PMC and a metal foil. The laminate fabrication process using H-VARTM, and the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness via double cantilever beam (DCB) tests at both room temperature and high temperature are conducted. The cross-sections and fracture surfaces of the panels are characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopes to verify the existence of CNTs at the interface before and after fracture tests. The experimental results reveal that CNT?s improve bonding at the hybrid interfaces. Computational models are developed to assist the interpretation of experimental results and further investigate damage modes. In this work, analytical solutions to compute the total strain energy release rate as well as mode I and mode II strain energy release rates of asymmetric configurations layups are utilized. Finite element models are developed in which the virtual crack closure technique is adopted to calculate strain energy release rates and investigate the degree and effect of mode-mixity. Results from analytical solutions agree well with each other and with results obtained from finite element models.