Fabrication, Characterization, and Modeling of Nano-Reinforeed Multiscale, Hybrid Composites

摘要

This paper presents a study that combines processing, characterization, and modeling of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites and carbon nanotube(CNT)-reinforced multiscale composites. Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) was employed as the composite manufacturing method, and high energy sonication was used as the primary means to achieve CNT dispersion in the matrix. Sonication conditions were varied to investigate the effects of sonication parameters on the resin infusion behavior and the resulting mechanical properties of the composites. The matrix-fiber-nanotube interfaces, which govern the load transferability, were explored through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In parallel, Halpin-Tsai equations and woven fiber micromechanics were combined to develop a unified model that predicts the upper bound of the tensile properties. The experimental work lays the groundwork for a systematic study that optimizes the sonication process for maximized composite performance.