The Investigation of KH560 Coupling Agent with Carbon Fiber One Step Dipping Method Compared with Functionalized Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Interlaminar and interfacial properties of composites are important parameters for any application, extensive research has been out bursting to enhance the above properties using nanotubes (NTs) as an alternate solution to minimize delamination of laminates. This research focused on significance of functionalized engineering materials for better efficiency in industries, especially stealth technology. Silane-coupling agent “3-glycidyletheroxypropyl-tri methoxy silane, KH-560” is one module among five modules designed in this work. Five modules are considered as (M1, M2, M3, M4 & M5) with (0.5wt% of AMINE, CARBOXYL, multi wall carbon nano tubes (MWCNTs), 5% KH-560 treated carbon laminate and finally with base carbon fiber). PAN-based 12k carbon fiber as base fiber with functionalized and non-functionalized nanocomposite are incorporated as fillers in the epoxy laminates fabricated using vacuum bagging technique. Findings indicated 5% KH-560 silane treated carbon fiber (module M5) showed best results such as properties with 39%,55% and 20% in “tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS)” respectively. FESEM analysis is conducted to understand morphology of the laminates.