Abstract

The drop weight low-velocity impact (LVI) response of quasi-isotropic symmetric carbon/epoxy composite reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is investigated. The MWCNTs were synthesized by using arc discharge method. The carbon nanotubes were mixed at three different percentages in the epoxy resins as a secondary reinforcement. The drop weight impact test was performed according to ASTM D7136 standard at 6m/sec indent velocity (impact energy=94.14J) and it has been concluded that doping of nanotubes as secondary reinforced in woven polymer composites influences the low velocity impact resistant.However, mixing of these nanotubes above a certain wt% reduces the laminate performance (at 5 wt%) due to the improper wetting and agglomeration of carbon nanotubes. The outcome of the experimental work justified that the improvement in energy absorption, damage tolerance under drop weight impact test is significant by mixing in-house produced multiwall carbon nanotubes.

keywordsMWCNTs synthesis; CFRP; LVI; Energy absorption; Damage