Low-weight Impact Behaviour of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Methyl Methacrylate Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study, the carbon fibre reinforced methyl methacrylate resin composite (CF/MMA) toecaps for safety shoes were manufactured to change impact behaviour by incorporation of nanofillers. Different types of nanofillers such as nanotubes (inorganic halloysite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes) and unmodified and organically modified nanoclays (natural bentonite and montmorillonites) were dispersed inMMA composition. The low-velocity impact test with dropweight machine was performed with respect to the nanofiller nature and carbon fibre stacking sequence. It was found that the most influence on the stiffness and impact damage of the CF/MMA nanocomposite toecaps show organic and inorganic nanotubes or unmodified nanoclay (bentonite). Effective amounts of these nanofillers improve the low velocity impact response in 16 % -20 %. Although the influence of nanofillerson CF/MMA composites energy absorption capability at impact energy level of 90 J is negligible, however, theireffect on thesizeof the composite toecaps damage areais considerable.

Assessing the Compressive and Impact Behavior of Plastic Safety Toe Caps through Computational Modelling

“…The same author also developed a biodegradable solution of flax fibers and PLA for a toe cap, accomplishing a 50% weigh reduction when compared to their steel counterpart, while sustaining the requirements for quasi-static compressive loading according to ISO 12568 [25]. Zukas et al found a 20% improvement in low velocity impact response, by the addition of nanofillers in carbon fiber reinforced toe caps made of methyl methacrylate resin [26]. More recently, an optimized stacking sequence of E-fiber glass, carbon and aramid fabric layers was suggested by Erden et al [20].…”

Analysis of the Impact Resistance of Toecaps by the Finite Element Method: Preliminary Studies

“…As a result, materials science strives to develop polymeric materials that would be characterized by strength properties and lower weight, compared to steel, while ensuring the appropriate functional properties of toecaps. Recent years have seen an increased application of non-metallic materials including composites incorporating polyester, polyamide, and epoxy resins with nanofillers (carbon, aramid, and glass fibers) [10][11][12][13]. Non-metallic materials are highly attractive due to their flexibility of design and additional features, such as electrical insulation, and very importantly, they provide better thermal insulation than metallic toecaps [14].…”