Experimental and Numerical Insights into the Behaviour of CNT Grafted on CF Surface and Defects in CNTs

The interfacial strength, vibrations attenuation and delamination resistance of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites (CFRPCs) can be significantly improved by introducing different nano-species (nanotube/nanorods/nanowalls/nanowires) on the Carbon Fiber (CF) surface. The present research work reports the grafting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on CF using a chemical vapour deposition method. Further, a numerical model is constituted for analysing the stresses at carbon nanotubes (CNT) grafted on CF, and also the interface of CF/CNT during tensile loading. A Finite Element (FE) numerical model analysing the variation of CF mechanical properties due to possible defects is also presented. The analysis of current data reveal a underutilization of strength for CNTs in CFRPCs. The numerical simulations, moreover, give evidence of failure near or at the interface. The results are thus compared and validated towards the experimental outcomes.