Evaluation of flexural properties of Carbon Nano Tubes (CNT) modified Carbon Fibre Reinforced Composite

Abstract

This work proposes to develop nanophased fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite using epoxy as matrix and modified carbon fibres as reinforcement. Carbon fibre modification has been achieved by Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) of nanofillers on the surface of carbon fibre. This also involves stabilization of the EPD process by optimizing the sonication time (for making a suspension of nanofillers) and deposition current and deposition time. After EPD, the deposition of nano filler on the fibre is confirmed by a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The modified fibres thus obtained are used in laminate making with epoxy resin as matrix by using hand lay-up technique. Selection of the best nano filler- multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) is done with respect to the exhibited flexural strength of the composite. Laminates that were fabricated using MWCNT modified carbon fibres have shown an improvement of Flexural properties when compared to that of neat Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, Fragtography study was also done.