On the tensile and shear strength of nano-reinforced composite interfaces

The tensile debonding and shear properties of composite interfaces reinforced by two different homogeneously dispersed nanofillers, carbon nanotubes and alumina nanopowder, are investigated. The composite adherends used are made of carbon fibre/epoxy laminate and aluminium alloy 6061-T6. The results reveal that varying the weight percentage of the nanofillers into the epoxy matrix adhesive favourably influences the debonding and shear characteristics of the interface. The results also indicate that increasing the amount of the nanofillers beyond a certain weight fraction of the adhesive reduces the interface strength. SEM and TEM images of the fillers are presented and used in support of a proposed strengthening/weakening mechanism(s).