Experimental and numerical approach to study mechanical and fracture properties of high-density polyethylene carbon nanotubes composite

This work investigates the elasto-plastic and fracture properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite using a multi-scale finite element (MSFE) approach. The composites consist of CNTs, which are randomly embedded within the HDPE matrix throughout the volume. CNT reinforcement is numerically modelled by considering elastic properties while the elasto-plastic constitutive law is used for the matrix (HDPE) composition. Elastic properties of composites are estimated at meso-scale by numerical modelling of a representative volume element (RVE). Hollomon's (power-hardening law) model has been employed to get the plastic properties of the polymer composite. Equivalent consecutive properties are predicted at meso-scale, further, these properties have been used at macro-scale simulation for fracture analysis. A detailed study of stress intensity factors has been presented for the different volume fraction of CNTs in the composite composition. The presented numerical results are supported by experimental investigations.