Static and impact responses of syntactic foam composites reinforced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

The incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into syntactic foams (hollow glass microspheres bonded to a polymer matrix) can enhance the mechanical performance of syntactic foams. In this study, several syntactic foam specimens reinforced with MWCNTs were manufactured and tested under static and low-velocity impact loads, and the mechanical properties of these syntactic foams were compared to those of reference syntactic foams without MWCNTs by focusing on the impact resistance and optimal energy absorption. Moreover, the influences of the applied impact energy and microsphere and MWCNT contents on the impact responses of syntactic foam panels were discussed, and the vibration equation of a panel with four clamped edges was determined based on the energy principle. An analytical solution for the displacement responses of the syntactic foam panels under sinusoidal impact loads is proposed, in which Young’s modulus of the syntactic foam is expressed as a function of the moduli of the fillers and binders and contents of the fillers. The predicted maximal displacements agree with the experimental values well.

Keywords

• Syntactic foam
• Static
• Impact responses
• Carbon nanotubes
• Analytical model