A characterization of the interfacial and interlaminar properties of carbon nanotube modified carbon fiber/epoxy composites /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Sager, Ryan James
Other Authors: Lagoudas, Dimitris C. (Thesis advisor)
Format: Thesis eBook
Language:English
Published: [College Station, Tex.] : [Texas A&M University], [2010]
Subjects:
Online Access:Link to OAK Trust copy
Description
Abstract:The mechanical characterization of the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of carbon nanotube (CNT) coated carbon fibers and the interlaminar fracture toughness of woven fabric carbon fiber/epoxy composites toughened with CNT/epoxy interleave films is presented. The deposition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) onto the surface of carbon fibers through thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was used in an effort to produce a graded, multifunctional interphase region used to improve the interfacial strength between the matrix and the reinforcing fiber. Characterization of the IFSS was performed using the single-fiber fragmentation test. It is shown that the application of a MWCNT coating improves the interfacial shear strength between the coated fiber and matrix when compared with uncoated fibers. The effect of CNT/epoxy thin interleave films on the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of woven fabric carbon/epoxy composites is examined using the double-cantilever beam (DCB) test. Initiation fracture toughness, represented by critical strain energy release rate (GIC), is shown to improve over standard un-toughened composites using amine-functionalized CNT/epoxy thin films. Propagation fracture toughness is shown to remain unaffected using amine-functionalized CNT/epoxy thin films with respect to standard un-toughened composites.
Item Description:"Major Subject: Aerospace Engineering"
Title from author supplied metadata (automated record created 2010-03-12 12:08:51).
Electronic resource.
Physical Description:1 online resource.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references.