Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Materials Science
Session: 4
Alexander Anderson - Tuskegee University
Co-Author(s): Oluwaseyi Shofolawe-Bakare, Tuskegee University, AL; Farooq Syed, Tuskegee University, AL; Shaik Zainuddin, Tuskegee University, AL
Improving the interfacial properties between the fiber and matrix of a composite is an expedient step in attaining fiber reinforced composites with enhanced mechanical properties. However, the interaction between the fiber and matrix occurs at the micron-nanoscale and cannot be investigated using conventional macroscale mechanical testing. Therefore, in this work, the interfacial properties of these composites are investigated using a novel nanoindentation technique. In addition, the effect of carbon nanotubes reinforcement on the interfacial properties are also studied. The results showed that the interfacial properties are directly dependent on the bonding between fiber and matrix. We also found that the interfacial properties enhanced significantly with the addition of CNTs reinforcement.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF REU DMR-1659506, HBCU TIP HRD-1818696, MRI DMR-1725513, CREST- 1735971
Faculty Advisor: Shaik Zainuddin, szainuddin@tuskegee.edu
Role: I assisted with sample production, testing, characterization