Effective properties of a novel continuous fuzzy-fiber reinforced composite using the method of cells and the finite element method

The effective properties of a continuous fuzzy fiber-reinforced composite have been determined by employing the method of cells approach and the finite element (FE) method. The novel constructional feature of this fuzzy fiber-reinforced composite is that the uniformly aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are radially grown on the surface of the horizontal carbon fibers. The effective properties of this fuzzy fiber-reinforced composite are estimated with and without the consideration of an interphase formed due to non-boned interaction between a CNT and the polymer matrix. Effective elastic properties of the fuzzy fiber-reinforced composite estimated by the method of cells approach have been compared with those predicted by the FE method. It has been found that the transverse effective properties of this composite are significantly improved due to the radial growing of CNTs on the surface of the carbon fiber. It is also found that the consideration of the CNT/matrix interphase has a negligible effect on the effective elastic properties of the fuzzy fiber-reinforced composite.

► A novel continuous fuzzy fiber reinforced composite is proposed.
► The fuzzy fiber is composed of carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
►  CNTs are radially grown on the surface of the carbon fiber.
►  Transverse effective properties of the composite are significantly enhanced.