On the Mechanical Performance of Multiscale Grid-Stiffened Composites Subjected to Transverse Quasi-Static Loading

Multiscale grid-stiffened composite (GSC) panels of epoxy/E-glass fiber reinforced with various amounts of surface modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated. The quasi-static transverse properties of the specimens were evaluated by performing the three-point bending test. The results indicated that the addition of MWCNTs to the epoxy matrix had significant effect on the flexural properties. This can be related to strengthening of the matrix rich region and the interface between the E-glass and matrix imparted through the incorporating the MWNTs. The maximum value of improvement in load bearing capacity, and energy absorption was related to the specimen with 0.4 wt.% MWCNTs. The fractured surface morphology of the specimens was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), manifesting the improvement in the interfacial adhesion between the E-glass fibers and MWCNTs-enhanced epoxy matrix. It would be worth mentioning that in these structures, a considerable energy absorption was observed after the primary failure related to the load peak.

کلیدواژه ها:

Grid-stiffened composite ، Multi-walled carbon nanotubes ، Transverse loading ، Energy absorption