Effects of amino-functionalized MWCNTs on ballistic impact performance of E-glass/epoxy composites using a spherical projectile

Effect of adding amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH2-MWCNTs) on the ballistic performance of E-glass/epoxy composites was investigated in this study. E-glass/epoxy panels were prepared with and without MWCNTs. Two different weight percentages of 0.3 and 0.5% MWCNTs were used to modify the epoxy resin. MWCNTs were dispersed in epoxy resin through a combination of sonication and 3-roll mill methods. Laminated composite panels with E-glass plain weave fabrics were made through hand lay-up followed by compression molding process. Samples of size 120 × 120 × 5.25 mm were then cut from the panels and subjected to spherical projectile impacts using a gas-gun set-up at different velocities to determine the ballistic limit velocity (VBL). Additionally, ballistic limit velocity was statistically determined through polynomial and power regression using experimental results. Ballistic limit increased by about 15–19 m/s (5–6.5%) for laminates with 0.3 wt.% MWCNTs. On the other hand, the performance of laminates with 0.5 wt.% MWCNTs was comparable with that of control samples. Damage size as determined by ultrasonic c-scan studies was considerably less for the laminates with MWCNTs at a given impact velocity below and above ballistic limit.

► NH2-MWCNTs in E-glass/epoxy composites enhanced their ballistic impact performance.
► Improved fiber–matrix interfacial shear strength increases fracture toughness.
► 0.3 wt.% MWCNTs increased ballistic limit velocity by about 6%.
► Addition of MWCNTs to the composites increased damage tolerance.
► This was evident from lower damage size.