Carbon nanotubes: do they toughen brittle matrices?

Cho, Johann, Inam, Fawad, Reece, Michael, Chlup, Zdeněk, Dlouhy, Ivo, Shaffer, Milo and Boccaccini, Aldo (2011) Carbon nanotubes: do they toughen brittle matrices? Journal of Materials Science, 46 (14). pp. 4770-4779. ISSN 0022-2461

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Abstract

The development of a model CNT-brittle matrix composite system, based on SiO2 glass containing well-dispersed CNTs at up to 15 wt%, allows a direct assessment of the effect of the nanoscale filler on fracture toughness (K IC). Samples were prepared by colloidal heterocoagulation followed by spark plasma sintering. Detailed K IC measurements, using both indentation and notched beam techniques, show a linear improvement with CNT content, with up to a twofold increase of fracture toughness at maximum loading. The results from the two methods used in this study show equivalent trends but differing absolute values; the relative merits of these two approaches to measuring nanocomposite toughness are compared. Possible toughening mechanisms associated with CNT pull-out, crack bridging, and crack deflection are identified, and discussed quantitatively, drawing on conventional short-fibre composite theory and the potential effects of scaling fibre diameter.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	F200 Materials Science H300 Mechanical Engineering J300 Ceramics and Glasses
Department:	Faculties > Engineering and Environment > Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Depositing User:	Fawad Inam
Date Deposited:	23 May 2013 08:51
Last Modified:	13 Oct 2019 00:31
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/12655

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