Experimental Study on Change in Mechanical Characteristics of E-Glass Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composite by Adding Carbon Nanotube Layers

Abstract

Polymer composite reinforced with fiber materials have always proven its superior significant enactment over numerous traditional materials, considering their incomparable strength to weight ratio and stiffness. Carbon nanotubes usage in glass-fiber reinforced polymer has high potential in changing the characteristics of composite laminates. Carbon nanotubes have engrossed composite fraternity in exploring the opportunity of utilizing them as a supplementary reinforcement in fiber reinforced polymer composites. This study examines the mechanical characters of glass-fiber reinforced polymer with and without multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Composite laminated layers are fabricated using epoxy resin without carbon nanotube and with 0.5 and 1.5 % MWCNT. The materials were tested to determine tensile, flexural and compression properties. It is observed that the carbon nanotubes can enhance the mechanical properties in the composite laminates. Composite laminate with 1.5 wt % MWCNT exhibited good mechanical properties compared to that with 0.5 wt % MWCNT and without MWCNT.