Previous studies have provided evidence that reinforcement of epoxy adhesives with nanostructures such as carbon nanofibers (CNFs) produces higher strength bonded joints between carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates and shifts bond-line failure modes from the adhesive into the laminate. Despite this, there has been no research dedicated to applying reinforced adhesives to the bonding of nano-reinforced CFRP such as CNF z-threaded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (ZT-CFRP) laminates, which have been proven to exhibit increased interlaminar shear strength, mode-I delamination toughness, and compressive strength over traditional CFRP. This study examined the effectiveness of using CNF reinforced epoxy adhesives for unidirectional ZT-CFRP laminate bonding through single-lap shear tests using the ASTM D5868-01 standard. Unidirectional CFRP laminate samples bonded with both epoxy adhesive and CNF reinforced epoxy adhesive were also tested for comparison. It was found that the average shear strength observed for ZT-CFRP samples bonded with CNF reinforced epoxy adhesive was approximately 44% and 26 % higher than that of CFRP samples bonded with epoxy adhesive and CNF reinforced epoxy adhesive, respectively. Microscopic image analysis was performed to examine the mode of bond failure. The roles of nanomaterials in the fracture mechanism of the adhesives and the composite laminates are also discussed.
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Core–Shell Rubber Nanoparticle-Modified CFRP/Steel Ambient-Cured Adhesive Joints: Curing Kinetics and Mechanical Behavior
Externally bonded wet-layup carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthening systems are extensively used in concrete structures but have not found widespread use in deficient steel structures. To address the challenges of the adhesive bonding of wet-layup CFRP to steel substrates, this study investigated the effect of core–shell rubber (CSR) nanoparticles on the curing kinetics, glass transition temperature (Tg) and mechanical properties of ambient-cured epoxy/CSR blends. The effects of silane coupling agent and CSR on the adhesive bond properties of CFRP/steel joints were also investigated. The results indicate that CSR nanoparticles have a mild catalytic effect on the curing kinetics of epoxy under ambient conditions. The effect of CSR on the Tg of epoxy was negligible. Epoxy adhesives modified with 5 to 20%wt. of CSR nanoparticles were characterized with improved ductility over brittle neat epoxy; however, the addition of CSR nanoparticles reduced tensile strength and modulus of the adhesives. An up to 250% increase in the single-lap shear strength of CFRP/steel joints was accomplished in CSR-modified joints over neat epoxy adhesive joints.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2047736
- PAR ID:
- 10523750
- Publisher / Repository:
- MDPI
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Materials
- Volume:
- 17
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 1996-1944
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 749
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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