Experimental investigation of quasi-static behavior of composite and fiber metal laminate panels modified by graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract

The current study investigated the influence of incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on quasi-static behavior of composite and fiber metal laminate (FML) panels. The unmodified and modified composite specimens and FML panels with 2/1 configuration were fabricated using a hand lay-up method and investigated through a quasi-static punch and indentation testing. The two sets of tests were conducted with a flat-ended indenter and the loading conditions were the same for all samples, except support spans which were varied. Following experimental testing, possible damages at the punch region were closely investigated and localized and global damages were observed. The results revealed that adding 0.2 wt% GNPs improved the strength and fracture toughness of specimens by delaying the failure modes. On the contrary, GNPs made the bonding between the aluminum and composite interface to weaken.

An experimental investigation on the effect of incorporating graphene nanoplatelets on the low-velocity impact behavior of fiber metal laminates

“…These outstanding properties of FMLs, especially the high impact resistance, make them a suitable material for industrial applications, for instance, aircraft, aerospace and marine structures. Low-velocity impact, as one of the impact failure sources, can occur through damage from for example service trucks, cargo containers and dropped tools during maintenance operations of aircrafts [1][2][3][4][5][6].…”

Using potential of filament-wound carbon/glass polymeric composites as rocket motor thermal insulation

“…13 The most promising polymers for impregnation of carbon and glass fibers/fabrics and for production of light-weight TPM composites are phenolic, epoxy, and polyester resin. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Among them, the unsaturated polyester resins (UPe) are widely used to impregnate glass and carbon fibers or fabrics due to good compatibility, high protection potential related to the corrosion, extreme temperature and internal pressure. 2 UPe-based composites, reinforced with glass/carbon fibers, represent typical engineering construction materials of high standards with regards to mechanical and thermal properties.…”

“…2,23 and steel retain low weight to thickness ratio due to low density. 13 There are various methods of production of polymer-based carbon/glass fiber composites, such as hand lay-up method, 14 vacuum infusion and microwave-assisted compression molding 24 but wFW provides potential to adjust certain properties, so it is commonly used for the designing of rocket motors. 2,25 Properties of wFW obtained composites depend on the filament structure and applied reinforcing agent as well.…”

“…16 In contrast, carbon fibers are good heat conductors and possess high specific strength and modulus. Thermal properties of such structures can be improved by introducing powdered fillers such as micro-or nano-silicon dioxide, 27,28 alumina trihydrate, [29][30][31] and graphene-nanoplatelets 14 in a polymer matrix prior to fiber impregnation. 16 These fillers exhibit a synergistic effect with the fibers in terms of improving thermal characteristics as demonstrated in the following literature.…”

“…16 These fillers exhibit a synergistic effect with the fibers in terms of improving thermal characteristics as demonstrated in the following literature. 14 Hence, alumina tri-hydrate as low-cost, thermally stable upon 800°C with a total weight loss of 7.4% 32 can be effectively used to increase the heat resistance of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. 29 The effect of alumina tri-hydrate on fire resistance of polymers can be summarized by the following effects: cooling down the polymer burning surface (heat sink material); releasing water vapor during the thermal decomposition causing the dilution of the combustible gases; forming insulating protective barrier of aluminum (III) oxide; and reducing smoke emission.…”