Investigation on the interfacial properties of CNTs sized carbon fibres in epoxy resin using push-out method via nano-indentation technique

In this work, the carbon fibres (CFs) surfaces were modified via sizing and coated with a very thin layer of complex formulation including nanotubes (CNTs). A push-out method was developed based on nanoindentation to assess interfacial shear strength fibre/matrix. The mechanical properties such as indentation hardness, reduced modulus, displacement creep composite evaluated by means Oliver-Pharr method. critical load different composites measured (IFSS) calculated compare effect CNTs concentration in solution. Wettability evaluation sized performed prior investigate adhesion resin. After testing, characterisation optical microscopy/SEM carried out ratify results. It found small amount evenly distributed nano-inclusion CFs can increase but large could lead decrease bonding due agglomeration CFs.