Hygrothermal Conditioning Effects and Statistical Analysis of Interfacial Shear Strength and the Performance of Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Conditioning treatments are essential to understanding composite material properties, especially the composite interfacial shear strength (IFSS). The IFSS denotes the strength of the matrix/reinforcement phase bond. A strong adhesion between the matrix and the fibers under varying environmental conditions is crucial, as the mechanical properties of the composite material rely on the integrity of the load transfer. To this end, this paper presents a systematic analysis to study the effects of mechanical loading on the IFSS of carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn/polymer matrix composites by conducting randomized experiments under controlled environmental conditions. The experimental data are analyzed using a response surface model to statistically quantify the nonlinear effects of temperature, immersion time, strain rate, and embedded length on the interfacial performance. CNT yarns are tested under various environmental temperatures and time constraints, in addition to fiber embedded length and strain rate. When immersed in water for 7 days, at room temperature compared to 70°C, the IFSS increased by an average of 16.15%. Conditioning the composite for 3 days with an embedded length of 4 mm increased the IFSS by an average of 30.21% compared to an embedded length of 3 mm. Axial point testing demonstrated nonlinear effects, characterized by an initial rise in IFSS with prolonged immersion times and reduced strain rates, succeeded by a decrease at elevated temperature extremes. Response surface modeling validated substantial second‐order interactions. This study provides valuable insights into how environmental factors influence composite material performance, emphasizing bonding to ensure mechanical reliability.
Source: Polymer Composites
DOI: 10.1002/pc.70659
Institution: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: MRI: Acquisition of a 3D printer for Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials for Biological Applications, G3876771832, G454555357, FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
PROJECT TITLE: INTEGRATED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING – ESTABLISHING MINORITY PATHWAYS: OPPORTUNITIES FOR
WORKFORCE-
DEVELOPMENT IN ENERGY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (IAM-EMPOWERED)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: THIS PROPOSAL, INTEGRATED ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING – ESTABLISHING MINORITY PATHWAYS:
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORKFORCE-DEVELOPMENT IN ENERGY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (IAM-EMPOWERED), TACKLES A
MAJOR CONCERN TO THE UNITED STATES REGARDING THE LACK OF QUALIFIED AMERICANS IN THE AREAS OF SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING & MATH (STEM), WHICH IS CAUSING A HUGE GAP IN THE STEM EMPLOYMENT MARKET. THE PATHWAY
PROGRAM INVOLVING FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY, BENEDICT COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY AT TEXAS RIO-GRANDE VALLEY WILL
FORM
A SOUTHEASTERN COMMUNITY (SEC)-CONSORTIA. THE PROJECT FOCUS IS TO DEVELOP INTER-CONNECTED CYBER ADDITIVE
MANUFACTURING PLANNING AND CONTROL THROUGH NNSA/DOE ENERGY/DEVICE-RELATED PROCESSING AND ASSISTED-
MANUFACTURING, AND THEREFORE DEMONSTRATE STUDENT EFFICACY BY HAVING THEM PERFORM RESEARCH AT NATIONAL LABS.
THIS PROGRAM WILL INTEGRATE ASPECTS OF THE BASIC RESEARCH IN COMPOSITE FABRICATION AND ADVANCED ADDITIVE
MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES (UTILIZING RECENT INFRASTRUCTURE IN HIGH-PRECISION DIRECT WRITING, E.G. THREE NSCRYPT,
INC.
MACHINES), AND ADVANCED CHARACTERIZATION AMONGST THE CONSORTIA, FOR PROCESSING OF COMPLEX MATERIALS AND
DEVELOPING HIGH-EFFICIENT FLEXIBLE DEVICES FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, WHICH SHOULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE OF
THE
NATION’S RENEWABLE ENERGY FOOTPRINT., G624335149, PHYSICAL DATA-DRIVEN CHARACTERIZATION FOR MATERIAL SCIENCE DISCOVERY & DESIGN
OpenAlex ID: W4416792406