The influence of nanoadhesives on the tensile properties and Mode-I fracture toughness of bonded joints

Nanoadhesives of epoxy resin are synthesized and evaluated. They are organically modified by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) (1% by weight) as reinforcement. Tensile tests are conducted on multiple identical unnotched and notched specimens to evaluate the overloading and fracture behavior of the nanoadhesives and are compared with the neat epoxy resin. In comparison with the neat epoxy, it is found that the 1% MWCNT reinforcement increased the ultimate and residual strength by about 29% and 56%, respectively. In comparison with the neat resin, there is a 265% increase in the fracture toughness of the MWCNT adhesive. Fracture surface analysis revealed the various mechanisms by which the MWCNT adhesives acquire their superior strength and toughness in comparison with the neat resin.