Tensile Behavior of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Incorporating Nanomaterials after Exposure to Elevated Temperature

Abstract

This study experimentally examined the effect of nanomaterial on the tensile behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), and short multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized COOH (S-MWCNT-COOH) with 1% by weight were used as the primary test parameters. In the present test, S-MWCNT-COOH was more effective than the others in improving the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness of the CFRP composites. The use of S-MWCNT-COOH increased the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness of the CFRP composites by 20.7, 45.7, and 73.8%, respectively. In addition, tensile tests were carried out for CFRP composites with S-MWCNT-COOH after subjection to elevated temperatures ranging from 50 to 200 degrees C. The test results showed that the tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness were significantly reduced with increasing temperature. At a temperature level of 100 degrees C, the reduction of the maximum tensile strength, ultimate strain, and toughness was 36.5, 37.1, and 60.0%, respectively. However, for the specimens subjected to the elevated temperatures ranging from 100 to 200 degrees C, the tensile behavioral properties were constantly maintained. Finally, various analytical models were applied to predict the tensile strength of the CFRP composites with S-MWCNT-COOH. By using the calibrated parameters, the tensile strengths predicted by the models showed good agreement with the experimental results.