Experimental Characterization of Fracture Toughnessof CNT/HDPE Composites

• Main Authors: Da-Shan Hsu, 徐大山
• Other Authors: Niann-I Yu
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/88686215426777395139

碩士 === 元智大學 === 機械工程學系 === 101 === Because of its excellent mechanical properties, the carbon nanotube (CNT) is an ideal reinforcement in composite materials. The present work develops processing for nanocomposites consisting of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) embedded in a high-density polyethylene (HPDE). The composite’s fracture toughness is experimentally determined according to the American Standard Test Method (ASTM) D5045 Standard Test Method for Fracture Toughness and Strain Energy Release Rate of Plastic Materials. The experimental results indicate that the average fracture toughness of 0.5 wt%- and 1 wt%-MWCNT/ HDPE composites increases 5.7% and 16.7% in comparison with that of pure HDPE. The separation and distribution of MWCNTs and formation of voids affect prominently the fracture toughness of MWCNT/HPDE composites. In the present work, HPDE powders are directly mixed with MWCNTs and sufficient time is spent in the sonication and stirring stage to ensure the separation and uniform distribution of MWCNTs in HPDE. Moreover, vacuuming to reduce bubbles left in the composites in the heating process. The conclusion is that adding MWCNTs into HPPDE increases the fracture toughness of HDPE. Furthermore, the effect is more pronounced with an increase in weight fraction of MWCNT.