Fracture behavior of epoxy nanocomposites modified with polyol diluent and amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: A loading rate study

The synergistic effects of reactive polyol diluent and amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes on fracture of two- and three-phase (hybrid) epoxy nanocomposites are investigated under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Digital image correlation method with a drop-tower and high-speed camera are used for dynamic tests. The crack-tip deformation histories and fracture parameters for stationary and growing cracks are extracted. Tests show improved crack initiation toughness in modified-epoxies relative to the neat resin with the highest enhancement in hybrid nanocomposites. The dynamic crack initiation toughness values are found to be consistently lower than the static counterparts. Fractographic examinations reveal distinct rate-dependent morphologies.