Mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes based polymer composites

The objective of this paper was to understand the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNT) additives on the elastic behaviors of textile based composites. The materials consist of three phases namely, carbon fibers fabric, Epoxy matrix and carbon nanotubes. Different volume fractions of CNTs were used (0% as reference, 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 4%). A set of mechanical tests as Open Hole Tension, shear Beam Test and Flatwise Tension tests were performed. A damage initiation and cracks propagation in composite specimens were controlled. The experimental results show an increase the mechanical performance of the composite up to 2% of CNT additives. However, beyond this value, the material strength shows a significant decay.