Investigation of the Crack Propagation Behavior of the Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Graphite/Natural Rubber Hybrid Nanocomposites Using Digital Image Correlation Technique

Abstract

In the presented study, a hybrid Natural Rubber (NR) based semiconductive nanocomposites was examined to obtain better electrical and mechanical properties. The hybrid nanocomposite produced by incorporation of the Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) and graphite nanoparticles into the NR. The conventional curing additives also included in the compound. A functionalized MWCNT (1, 2 and 3 phr's) with 3 phr graphite quotas were studied to produce the NR nanocomposites. The MWCNT/Graphite and NR mixed homogeneously to advance the interfacial interaction with the matrix. The graphite nano-particulates added to obtain 3D electrical connectivity network in the hybrid nanocomposites by becoming bridging points between multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Nanocomposites were produced as 3 mm sheets in a steel mold by vulcanizing at 165 °C for 10 min under pressure. The single-edge notched tension specimens were subjected to estimate crack propagation and electrical resistance relation. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique was used to observe the crack resistivity function. The results evaluated to clarify the relationship between crack length, MWCNT filler ratio, and electrical conductivity properties. MWCNTs are generally preferred as the reinforcements for their very high aspect ratio and excellent specific surface area properties. However, the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites is owing to the constitution of a continuous conductive 3D network of MWCNT and Graphite in the NR matrix.

Electrical characterization of deformation behavior of carbon-based conductive filled nanocomposites under constant amplitude fatigue loading

“…In all samples, resistance values increased significantly with cracks' initiation, and this increase continued depending on the crack progression. 39 After crack started in all samples, crack propagation occurred depending on time. In fatigue tests, very dense graphical data was obtained due to the recording of 4 resistance change data per second.…”

Resistance sensing response optimization and interval loading continuity of multiwalled carbon nanotube/natural rubber composites: Experiment and simulation

“…Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are generally preferred as reinforcements due to their very high-aspect ratio and excellent specific surface area properties. 10 Moreover, the reinforcement effect of MWCNTs on composites is significantly correlated with the MWCNT content. For instance, Elango Natarajan et al synthesized MWCNT/NR composites with different contents and evaluated the nonlinear material constants of the composites, indicating that the nonlinear material parameters are significantly affected by the MWCNT content.…”

“…Considering the compatibility of composite sensors and isolation bearings, natural rubber (NR) is considered a better choice for CPC sensor matrices used for isolation bearings. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are generally preferred as reinforcements due to their very high‐aspect ratio and excellent specific surface area properties 10 . Moreover, the reinforcement effect of MWCNTs on composites is significantly correlated with the MWCNT content.…”

“…12 The strong tendency of CNTs to agglomerate reduces the effective surface area of interaction with the rubber chains and the shape factor of these nanofillers, while leading to the development of crack initiation and propagation resistance. 10,12 Furthermore, the functionalization of MWCNTs also plays a positive role in the reinforcement of mechanical properties and dispersion of composites. 13,14 At the same time, the stability and repeatability of the sensing response of the composite are improved.…”

“…Pilar Bernal‐Ortega et al revealed the effect of MWCNT content on the reinforcing and conducting properties of NR and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)‐based composites, explained the relationship between the structure and properties of the composites, and showed that the reinforcing effects of different MWCNT contents on the composites were significantly different 12 . The strong tendency of CNTs to agglomerate reduces the effective surface area of interaction with the rubber chains and the shape factor of these nanofillers, while leading to the development of crack initiation and propagation resistance 10,12 . Furthermore, the functionalization of MWCNTs also plays a positive role in the reinforcement of mechanical properties and dispersion of composites 13,14 .…”