Investigatıon Of Mechanical Properties Of Carbon Fibre/Epoxy Composites Incorporating Nanoclay And Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube

Abstract

This study was conducted for the purpose of examining the mechanical relations of the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and the nanoclay (NC) with each other on the carbon fiber composite materials. Samples were prepared by reinforcing the MWCNT and the NC into the epoxy matrix at various rates to have them absorbed into the carbon fiber laminates via the vacuum infusion method. Carbon nanotube (CNT) was added into all the epoxy samples at a rate of 0.3 wt% of the epoxy weight, while the nanoclay was added at rates of 1 wt%, 3 wt% and 5 wt% of the epoxy weight. Additionally, the only CNT-reinforced samples (also, not reinforced with NC) were also readied in order to observe the difference. Tensile tests and three point bending tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties. The NC and the CNT were observed to adhere to the carbon fiber filaments in the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and NC-based bridge cracks were noted.