Effect of the addition of CNT on the flexural, inter laminar shear strength and abrasive wear behaviour of glass fiber/epoxy composite

Over the past few decades, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have become more popular than conventional materials. FRP has experienced significant growth and preference due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, low cost and ease of manufacture. This research aims to examine the mechanical and tribological performance of glass fiber epoxy composite incorporated with carbon nanotube (CNT). The Glass fiber is used here as a reinforcement, and the Epoxy matrix is incorporated with different concentrations of Carbon nanotubes (CNT). Carbon nanotubes have been suggested as the perfect filler material to increase the characteristics of modern nano-composites because of their exceptional properties. The Composite laminates were prepared using a hand layup process followed by an autoclave machine for curing. The glass fiber/epoxy composite was investigated under different weight percentages neat, 0.5% and 1% of carbon nanotubes (CNT). The fabricated specimen composite was tested for Interlaminar shear strength and flexural test in accordance to ASTM-2344 and ASTM D-790. The tribological behaviour of the composite has been experimentally evaluated in a dry sliding state using a pin-on-disc tribometer in accordance with ASTM –G99.