Targeting functionalised carbon nanotubes at the interphase of Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) composites

Abstract

Performance of textile reinforced inorganic matrix composites depends on the matrix-to-fabric bond strength, the weak chain in the system. In this work, we investigate the role of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersion in an amorphous silica nano-coating for AR-glass and carbon fabric Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) composites. Two lime mortars are considered at 56-day curing. Comparative mechanical testing in uni-axial tension show remarkable enhancements in terms of mean ductility, strength and energy dissipation capabilities. Besides, coating successfully prevents telescopic failure and delamination, which significantly narrows data scattering and benefits design limits.Crack pattern analysis reveals that coating promotes diffuse cracking in the specimen, with gradual and progressive damage buildup. Indeed, mean crack width and mean crack spacing are consistently reduced. BET, optical and E-SEM microscopy supports the action mechanism of the coating, that promotes wettability, surface roughening and imparts a remarkable increase in the specific surface area of the reinforcement.

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of PHBH Biopolymer Parts Produced by Fused Deposition Modeling

“…As widely documented in the literature, the results of a DIC analysis of specimens just prior to failure confirm that defects act as strain magnification points, which may develop into macroscopic cracks upon reaching strain levels beyond 40%. [8] Stress concentration poles represent indeed a critical aspect of AM since may jeopardize the mechanical properties of the printed elements. [9,10] Tensile failure is achieved around 100% strain, as in the failed dog-bone specimens shown in Figure 5.…”