Investigation of the Effect of CNTs on the Mechanical Properties of LPET/Glass Fiber Thermoplastic Composites

Abstract

Within this research, four kinds of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs; 0.0, 0.7, 0.9, and 1.1 wt%) integrated thermoplastic composites with commingled yarns (low melting point polyethylene terephthalate fiber/glass fiber) were fabricated using hot-press machine. The fabricated composites were tested against tensile and three-point flexural loadings. Specimens with 0.9-wt% MWCNTs in 90 degrees direction showed the highest values of tensile and flexural properties with an improvement of about 7% and 33% in tensile and flexural modulus and about 3% and 65% in tensile and flexural strength compared to specimens without MWCNTs in 90 degrees direction. This improvement can most likely be attributed to an increase in interfacial adhesion due to the presence of the carbon nanotubes.