Impact of Alumina and Carbon Nanotubes on Mechanical Properties of a Composite: Molecular Dynamic (MD) Simulation

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Iran, Isfahan, Isfahan Science and Technology town, Fanafarini 2, 345 Isfahan Science and Technology town, Fanafarini 2, 345 Iran, Isfahan, Isfahan Science and Technology town, Fanafarini 2, 345

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khomeinishahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khomeinishahr/Isfahan, Iran

10.30492/ijcce.2024.2017641.6350

Abstract

In recent times, researchers have undertaken investigations into the utilization of nano-scale reinforcements in the fabrication of composites specifically intended for prosthetic applications. Incorporating nanoparticles into conventional two-phase composites represents a methodological approach for developing novel materials with desirable mechanical properties. This strategy enables the enhancement of composite characteristics through the manipulation of nanoscale reinforcements, thereby paving the way for the design and production of advanced materials suitable for prosthetic construction. In this work, the aim was to consider the effects of carbon nanotubes and alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3) on the bending stiffness properties of glass/epoxy composites. A laboratory method has been used to fabricate and test the sample. Composite samples were fabricated and reinforced, one with alumina nanoparticles and the other with carbon nanotubes. Also, the modeling method based on micromechanical equations and molecular dynamics (MD) has been developed. 10-layer composite samples have been constructed and tested to evaluate the bending stiffness. Analysis of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images showed the effect of adding nanoparticles to the conventional composite structure. The modeling method can accurately predict the composite properties. SEM images revealed the distribution and structure of the reinforcements. Bending tests were conducted on simply supported beams to determine the effect of loading speed on bending stiffness. A 64% increase in loading speed led to a 25% increase in bending stiffness. Additionally, as loading increased, bending stiffness decreased indicating delamination and failure. A micromechanical estimation approach was proposed to predict mechanical properties by combining MD simulations and the Halpin-Tsai micromechanical method. The results provide insights into the effect of nano-reinforcement on stiffness properties of conventional glass/epoxy and establish a reliable method for estimating properties of multi-phasic composites.

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Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 April 2024

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