Effect of ultrasonic-assisted impregnation parameters on the preparation and interfacial properties of MWCNT/glass-fiber reinforced composites

Abstract

In this study, an ultrasonic-assisted impregnation method was employed to deposit carboxyl multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) onto the E-glass fiber fabric (GFf) for the preparation of the MWCNT-GFf reinforcer. The effects of ultrasonic power, duration and temperature on the dispersion of MWCNTs onto GFf were investigated, and the mechanical properties, interlaminar adhesion, and dynamic viscoelasticity of the resulting MWCNT-GFf-reinforced composites (MGCs) were evaluated. The results indicated that an effective dispersion of MWCNTs onto GFf without obvious breakage of the MWCNTs was achieved under an ultrasonic power of 600 W, duration of 6 min, and processing temperature of about 0°C. Compared with the GFf-reinforced composite, the tensile strength, flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength of the MGCs exhibited maximum increments of 38.4%, 34.6% and 47.1%, respectively. Moreover, the storage moduli and glass-transition temperatures of the MGCs were significantly enhanced. The ultrasonic parameters were of key importance for dispersing MWCNTs onto GFf and improving the interfacial properties of the composites.

Mechanical and thermal properties of carbon nanotube- and graphene-glass fiber fabric-reinforced epoxy composites: A comparative study

“…Next, a predried Gf was immersed in nanocarbon suspensions and further agitated in the ultrasonic bath for 6 min, as described in our former work. 31 Finally, the Gf with deposited nanocarbons was rinsed three times using pure ethanol, removing residual unattached nanocarbons. After vacuum drying, the nanocarbon-Gf-reinforcing materials were obtained.…”

Experimental investigation on effects of ultrasonic process parameters on the degree of impregnation of BF/PP composites

“…All PP is degraded by ultrasonic treatment, especially the PP with high molecular weight. To prepare MWCNT-GFF reinforced composites (MGCs), Zeng et al [12] used ultrasonic-assisted impregnation to deposit carboxyl multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) onto E glass fiber fabric (GFF). The tensile strength, flexural strength, and interlaminar shear strength of MGC have been significantly improved due to the improved dispersion of MWCNTs and their penetration into the fiber's inner space by ultrasonic treatment.Using ultrasonic consolidation assisted hot pressing sintering technology, Jiao et al [13]successfully prepared continuous carbon fiber reinforced Ti/Al 3 Ti metal-intermetallic laminate composites.…”

Interlaminar fracture toughness, adhesion and mechanical properties of MWCNT–glass fiber fabric composites: Effect of MWCNT aspect ratios

“…MWCNT anchored on the fiber surface can effectively transfer stress from the matrix phase to the reinforcing fibers and thus improve the fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion . To date, there are mainly three approaches to prepare multiscale MWCNT‐modified glass fibers: (1) directly growing MWCNT onto the fiber by chemical vapor deposition , (2) covering the sizing mixture containing MWCNT , and (3) depositing MWCNT onto the fiber by electrophoretic deposition , layer‐by‐layer assembly , spray‐up processing and ultrasonic‐assisted impregnation .…”