Low-Velocity Impact Response and Damage Mechanism of 3D Fiber-Metal Laminates Reinforced with Amino-Functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelets

Abstract

The low-velocity impact response of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced 3D fiber metal laminates (3DFML) is experimentally investigated. Two types of GNPs, pristine GNP (PG) and amino-functionalized GNP (NH2-G), are used strategically to reinforce the resin used to mate the two main constituents of the 3DFMLs. In order to establish the most optimal GNP content with respect to the impact response of 3DFML, three different weight-percentages of GNPs are considered and the responses are compared against that of the baseline specimens. The seven groups of specimens are subjected to three different impact energies. The results reveal that 1 wt% NH2-G is the optimal content, which could generate the greatest enhancement in resistance of the hybrid composite against impact, and minimizing the damage extent in the 3DFMLs. The study provides an in-depth analysis of force- and displacement-time history curves, force-displacement response, energy absorption capacity and damage mechanisms of the affected areas for all four groups of specimens.