Title: A Preliminary Study of the Electrical and Interlaminar Shear Properties of a Porous CFRP Composite Laminate Containing Carbon Nanofiber Z-Threads

Authors: Sebastian Kirmse, Bikash Ranabhat, and Kuang-Ting Hsiao

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.19.0773

Abstract: In this study, a porous carbon fiber/epoxy nanocomposite (P-ZT-CFRP) containing a low concentration of z threaded carbon nanofibers was manufactured. DC electrical conductivity measurements and interlaminar shear tests were performed on the porous nanocomposite. It was hypothesized that the CNFs interlock and connect multiple arrays of carbon fibers using a connecting agent (i.e., resin) at contact locations between the CNFs and carbon fibers, which provides additional strength to the otherwise weak porous composite laminate while making it extremely conductive. The through-thickness DC electrical conductivity was increased by 2840% (9.37 S/m) and 2971% (9.81 S/m) for the unidirectional porous nanocomposite laminate containing 0.85wt% and 2.0wt% of CNF z threads, respectively, when compared to a traditional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) (0.33 S/m). Void characterization showed that the void content in the matrix for the porous nanocomposites was at least 20%, which satisfies the definition of a porous nanocomposite [1]. The interlaminar shear strength of the 0.85wt% CNF z-threaded P-ZT-CFRP with a fiber volume fraction of around 80% was about 50% higher than for a P-CFRP without CNFs. Furthermore, the porous nanocomposite showed good potential in overcoming the effects of void on the mechanical properties of CFRPs. Using the rule of mixture, the P-ZT-CFRP shows a ~10.5% increase in longitudinal tensile strength and modulus when compared to a traditional CFRP. It was concluded that the material has high potential but will require additional research and research collaborations between industry partners to develop a possible next-generation multi functional nanocomposite.

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Conference: CAMX 2019

Publication Date: 2019/09/23

SKU: TP19-0773

Pages: 15

Price: $30.00