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Effect of carbon nanotube reinforcement on fracture strength of composite adhesive joints

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Abstract

This study investigated the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as an epoxy adhesive additive for adhesive joints between steel–composite interfaces and composite–composite interfaces. The study also examined the effect of CNT functionalization to improve CNT dispersion and thus improve joint strength. Specimens were constructed by adhesively bonding two parallel coupons, with a starting crack at one end. The specimens were loaded to final failure in three-point bending for Mode II fracture. Critical strain energy release rate was used to compare fracture properties of each set of specimens. It was shown that additions of multi-walled CNTs on the order of 1 wt% with diameters on the order of 30 nm and lengths 5–20 μm enhanced fracture toughness for both steel–composite and composite–composite adhesive joints tested. However, other combinations of CNTs could significantly decrease fracture properties, likely due to agglomeration issues. Functionalization of nanotubes showed some limited promise. Scanning electron microscopy validated the improved dispersion of CNTs using functionalization, but also highlighted the shortening effects due to the harsh chemical treatment. In summary, the study illustrates the importance of various CNT parameters on fracture properties, and encourages further investigation and optimization of these parameters for applications of interest.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Carderock Division for both financial and technical support; the Office of Naval Research’s Solid Mechanics Program for funding support; Professor Craig Whitaker of the United States Naval Academy’s Chemistry Department for preparation and IR spectroscopy of functionalized nanotubes; Professor Sarath Menon of the Naval Postgraduate School for assistance with SEM imaging; and Dr. Chanman Park of the Naval Postgraduate School for mechanical test support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Naval Postgraduate School, 700 Dyer Road, Mail Stop: ME/Kw, Monterey, CA, 93943, USA

    Garrett L. Burkholder, Young W. Kwon & Randall D. Pollak

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  1. Garrett L. Burkholder
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  2. Young W. Kwon
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  3. Randall D. Pollak
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Correspondence to Young W. Kwon.

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Burkholder, G.L., Kwon, Y.W. & Pollak, R.D. Effect of carbon nanotube reinforcement on fracture strength of composite adhesive joints. J Mater Sci 46, 3370–3377 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-010-5225-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-010-5225-6

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