Investigation for the mechanical behaviors of nano mats composite laminates with electro-spun multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced polyvinyl alcohol

In this study, the mechanical and fracture behaviors of Nano Mats Composite Laminates with different composition rates (%1, %2 and %3) of Electro-Spun Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) were investigated by standard mechanical test methods. Firstly, MWCNT reinforced PVA nanofiber mats were produced by electro spinning method. Then, MWCNT reinforced PVA nanofiber mats acquired by electro spinning were used to produce composite laminates by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding Process (VARTM) technique. Additionally, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) was performed in order to obtain characteristics and morphologies of nano fiber mats of PVA. MWCNT reinforced PVA nano fiber mat composite laminate specimens were tested by performing standardized mechanical tests such as Tensile test (ASTM D 3039), Low velocity impact test (ASTM D 7136), Three point bending test (ASTM D 7264) and Compression after impact test (ASTM D 7137). Mechanical behaviors of composite laminates were observed, mechanical properties were identified and acquired data were compared by means of the test results. Finally, deformed surfaces of specimens were inspected by optical and digital microscopes in order to understand the effect of PVA nanofiber reinforcement with different rates of MWCNT contents into the failure mechanism of specimens.