Investigation on the effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites manufactured using vacuum infusion process and hand layup process followed by vacuum bagging

Epoxy/carbon fiber (CF) composites are widely used for structural applications owing to their exceptional mechanical and physical characteristics. The main aim of this work is to individually analyze the impact of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as nanofillers in epoxy/MWCNTs/CF composites prepared by vacuum infusion process (VIP) and hand layup followed by vacuum bagging technique (HLVB). Optimal Manufacturing Strategies were followed at various stages of manufacturing which include the selection of effective dispersion technique for MWCNTs, identification of optimal weight percentage of MWCNTs in epoxy/MWCNTs nanocomposites and preparation of epoxy/MWCNTs/CF composites. For HLVB samples, tensile and flexural strengths increased from 337.5 to 475 MPa and 615.40 to 677.09 MPa. For VIP samples tensile and flexural strengths increased from 371 to 521 MPa and 714.19 to 769.02 MPa. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated improvement in the thermal stability of epoxy with the incorporation of MWCNTs/CF and improved weight percentage retention of 84.7% at 375degree celsius. Fracture analysis of the epoxy/MWCNTs/CF composites prepared using VIP were analyzed by FE-SEM and revealed that constant fiber rupture caused by better interface and improved bridging mechanism eventually led to enhanced mechanical performance. The predominant immediate fracture mechanism of MWCNTs also indicated this improved interfacial interaction.Highlights Pull-out fracture mechanism was predominantly seen in high viscous epoxy/MWCNTs composites Immediate fracture mechanism of MWCNTs were predominant in low viscous epoxy/MWCNTs sample Constant fiber rupture of VIP samples indicated improved fiber matrix interface Incorporation of MWCNTs showed improved weight percentage retention 0.5 wt% MWCNTs incorporated VIP epoxy/CF composites showed improved performance

Automated summary

This study analyzed the impact of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as nanofillers in epoxy/carbon fiber composites and investigated the optimal manufacturing strategies. The results showed that the addition of MWCNTs can improve the mechanical performance and thermal stability of the composites.