The average properties of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) depend on the extent of interaction between the fiber and matrix. Any means, therefore, to modify either of the two constituents of CFRPs is the key to design the composite. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are often used to tailor the interface/interphase in conventional CFRPs either by mixing the nanotubes in matrix or by growing them on the surface of fiber. However, the incorporation of nanotubes, by either means, may affect the mechanical performance of the matrix and that of the composite as a whole. Experiments are carried out to assess the effect of CNT dispersion on the rate sensitivity of matrix, and the effect of CNT grafting on the average mechanical properties of laminated composites. For better dispersion and interfacial interaction of nanotubes with matrix, molecular level designing of nanotubes is carried out by way of functionalization. It is found that the ultimate strength of epoxy composites increases with applied loading rate, and that neat epoxy is more rate sensitive than CNT based epoxy nanocomposites. Significant enhancements are also observed in the interlaminar and fracture properties of CFRPs after the incorporation of grafted nanotubes in the composite.

中文翻译：

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碳纳米管对碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料层间和断裂性能的影响

碳纤维增强塑料（CFRP）的平均性能取决于纤维与基体之间相互作用的程度。因此，任何修改CFRP两种成分中任何一种的方法都是设计复合材料的关键。碳纳米管（CNT）通常用于在常规CFRP中定制界面/中间相，方法是将纳米管混合在基质中或在纤维表面生长。但是，通过任何一种方式并入纳米管，都可能影响基质的机械性能以及整个复合材料的机械性能。进行实验以评估CNT分散液对基体速率敏感性的影响，以及CNT接枝对层压复合材料平均机械性能的影响。为了使纳米管与基质更好地分散和界面相互作用，纳米管的分子水平设计是通过功能化进行的。发现环氧复合材料的极限强度随着施加的加载速率而增加，并且纯环氧比基于CNT的环氧纳米复合材料对速率更加敏感。在复合材料中接枝纳米管后，CFRP的层间和断裂特性也得到了显着增强。