| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 ASC Technical Conference, US-Japan Joint Symposium, D30 Meeting
|
| Symposium
|
2024 ASC Technical Conference, US-Japan Joint Symposium, D30 Meeting
|
| Presentation Title |
Elucidating the Effect of Vertical Aligned Carbon Nanotubes on the Progressive Failure of Tow-Based Discontinuous Composites |
| Author(s) |
Daniela Garcia, Luca Sacchetto, Paulina Diaz-Montiel, Alejandra G. Castellanos |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Alejandra G. Castellanos |
| Abstract Scope |
Composite structures are widely favored in aerospace, energy, and naval applications for their remarkable strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. However, as the utilization of composite materials grows, so does waste generation. To mitigate this issue, initiatives have been introduced to repurpose discontinuous tows or remnants leftover from composite parts manufacturing (i.e., scraps), aiming to minimize waste. In this project, we utilized pristine and vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT)-reinforced Cycom 5320-1/IM7 12K carbon/epoxy scraps to fabricate four laminates with two distinct stacking configurations using a compression press. The dimensions of the scraps were 2 inches in length by 0.5 inches in width. Subsequently, samples were cut and subjected to flexural tests. Fractographic analysis was conducted both pre- and post-testing to investigate the impact of VACNTs on crack mitigation in the scrap samples. The findings unveiled that laminates reinforced with VACNTs demonstrated a more ductile behavior, while a brittle behavior was observed in the unreinforced samples. Specifically, the unreinforced configuration 1 samples exhibited higher stiffness and strength than the VACNTs-reinforced samples. Conversely, the VACNTs-reinforced configuration 2 samples displayed higher stiffness and strength than the unreinforced samples. These results imply that the fracture mechanisms in composite materials made of discontinuous tows are highly influenced by the stacking and arrangement of these tows. It can be possible to tailor the stiffness and strength for various applications by choosing the appropriate stacking sequence. Moreover, VACNTs can be used in tow-based discontinuous composites for arresting crack growth and improving mechanical properties. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |