Evaluation of fracture toughness of hybrid CNT/CFRP composites

Abstract

The article is focused on the investigation of interlaminar fracture toughness (IFT) of CFRP modified by SWCNT with 0.1–0.5 wt% concentrations. Mode I IFT is negatively affected by the addition of SWCNTs demonstrating the decrease by 16–46% depending on content. Mode II IFT testing showed a positive influence of SWCNTs resulting in the improvement of IFT up to 35%. The results of these mechanical tests and SEM data along with data of previously conducted research are jointly treated and possible reasons for this behavior are proposed and discussed.