Correlation between aspect ratio of MWCNTs and mixed mode fracture of epoxy based nanocomposites

The effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) diameter on fracture behavior of epoxy based nanocomposites under mixed mode I/II loading were investigated. Four types of MWCNTs with different diameters were used. It was found that the aspect ratio of filler has huge impact on the fracture behavior of nanocomposite. Regardless of their dimensions, MWCNTs were discovered to be more effective under shear loading conditions rather than normal loading conditions. The fracture surfaces of all specimens were studied and the observed features were explained based on the possible fracture mechanisms. Finally, the experimentally obtained fracture loads were compared with the theoretical estimates of three fracture criteria.