Influence of MWCNTs on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of glass-carbon epoxy composite

Abstract

The influence of Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on mechanical and viscoelastic properties of epoxy-based Glass/Carbon fiber hybrid composite were investigated. In the present work, a small amount of MWCNTs in the range of 0.25 - 1 wt. % is directly mixed in epoxy/matrix material. Different hybrid composites were prepared by hand lamination method by placing Glass and Carbon fiber reinforcements alternatively in the matrix. Tensile, Bending, Impact, and viscoelastic tests were carried out as per ASTM to characterize the Hybrid composite laminates. The results revealed an increase in tensile strength and a decrease in flexural strength with an increase in MWCNTs in the range of 0.25 - 1 wt. percent. Impact strength of pure Glass/Carbon fiber hybrid composite is much higher as compared to other composite laminates. Glass Transition Temperature is unaffected by the addition of MWCNTs in the range of 0.25 - 1 wt% in the matrix (Tg). The storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan delta of hybrid laminates were calculated using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA).