Low-velocity impact of thin woven carbon fabric composites incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The low-velocity impact response of thin carbon woven fabric composites reinforced with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is investigated. Three loadings of MWCNTs by weight of epoxy are examined; 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%. The composite plates are subjected to five levels of energy; 15, 24, 30, 60, and 120 J. The time history response of load, displacement, velocity, and energy are measured and reported. Moreover, the composite damage, associated with each energy level, is quantified and compared between different MWCNTs loadings. It is observed that the functionalized MWCNTs enhanced the impact response and limited the damage size in the woven carbon fiber composite. The addition of 1.5% MWCNTs resulted in 50% increase in energy absorption.

► New woven carbon fabric composites incorporating carbon nanotubes.
► Low-velocity impact testing of the new composites with wide impact energy range.
► Below penetration limits, 1.5% MWCNTs improved penetration energy by 50%.
► Below penetration limits, MWCNTs significantly limited damage size in composite.
► Improving impact resistance is due to increase in off-axis flexural strength.