Effect of <scp>CNTs</scp>/<scp>nano‐TiO<sub>2</sub></scp> hybrid system on the drop‐weight impact response of Kevlar fiber/epoxy composites
Sareh Soltaninejad, Esmaeil Tohidlou, Hamed Khosravi
Abstract
Abstract In this paper, the individual and synergistic effects of silanized‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (S‐MWCNTs) and silanized‐Titanium dioxide (S‐TiO 2 ) nanoparticles on the drop‐weight impact response of Kevlar fiber‐reinforced epoxy (KE‐EP) composites were evaluated. In the first step, the nanofillers were functionalized using an amino organosilane coupling agent (3‐Aminopropyltrimetoxysilane [APTMS]). Next, multiscale composites were prepared by adding 0.3 wt% S‐MWCNTs, 1 wt% S‐TiO 2 , and 0.3 wt% S‐MWCNTs + 1 wt% S‐TiO 2 in the matrix. The samples were exposed to drop‐weight impact at various impact energies of 15, 30, and 45 J. The findings demonstrated that the sample filled with 0.3 wt% S‐MWCNTs + 1 wt% S‐TiO 2 had the best impact performance, regardless of the initial impact energy. When compared to the neat KE‐EP sample, the multiscale composite filled with 0.3 wt% S‐MWCNTs + 1 wt% S‐TiO 2 had greater peak force and absorbed energy by 23% and 18%, respectively under 45 J impact energy. Analysis of the fracture surfaces illustrated a good interfacial bonding between the Kevlar fibers and matrix for the multiscale composite having hybrid nanofillers.