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.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Mouritz AP, Gellert E, Burchill P, Challis K (2001) Compos Struct 53:21
Jones R, Alesi H (2000) Compos Struct 50:417
Gates D (2009) Boeing 787 May Not Fly this Year. The Seattle Times, 22 July 2009
Kwon YW, Marron A (2009) Appl Compos Mater 16:365
Kwon YW, Slaff R, Bartlett S, Green T (2008) J Mater Sci 43:6695. doi:10.1007/s10853-008-2689-8
Faulkner SD, Kwon YW, Bartlett S, Rasmussen EA (2009) J Mater Sci 44:2858. doi:10.1007/s10853-009-3378-y
Bily MA, Kwon YW, Pollak RD (2010) Appl Compos Mater 17:347
Kwon YW, Schultz W, Loup DC, Rasmussen EA. ASME J Press Vessel Technol (accepted)
Klopfer J (2009) An experimental study of fiberglass composites containing metal-wire joints. Master’s thesis, Naval Postgraduate School
Sun Y, Meguid SA, Liew KM, Ong LS (2004) Nanotechnology 3:126
Gojny FH, Wichmann MHG, Köpke U, Fiedler B, Schulte K (2004) Compos Sci Technol 64:2363
Andrews PM, Jacques D, Minot M, Rantell T (2002) Macro Mater Eng 287:395
Qian D, Dickey EC, Andrews R, Rantell T (2000) Appl Phys Lett 76:2868
Breton Y, Desarmot G, Salvetat JP, Delpeux S, Sinturel C, Berguin F, Bonnamy S (2004) Carbon 42:1027
Shen J, Huang W, Wu L, Hu Y, Ye M (2007) Compos Sci Technol 67:3041
Liu L, Wagner HD (2005) Compos Sci Technol 65:1861
Zou W, Du Z, Liu Y, Yang X, Li H, Zhang C (2008) Compos Sci Technol 68:3259
Kim JY, Han SI, Hong S (2008) Polymer 49:3335
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.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
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
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-010-5225-6