Studies on the Mechanical Behavior of Woven Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites Subjected to Marine Environmental Conditions
Abstract
Through the proposed work, we will develop lightweight fiber reinforced composites materials made using combination of woven glass and carbon fabrics reinforcing thermoset polymer enhanced by incorporating nanoclay for naval applications. Being lighter, stronger, and more durable than the current generation of materials used, they will provide solution to naval structures, particularly to withstand harsh moisture and temperature extremities a typical naval structure is subjected to. Thermoset polymers like epoxies when combined with nanoclay that are organically modified to chemically interact, both with the polymer as well as reinforcing fibers, provide stronger interfacial bonding between the fibers and polymer, but also perform better over longer period of time, especially when subjected to harsh environment like elevated/cold temperatures in presence of moisture. While there have been many studies on hybrid composites and nanocomposites, there are not many studies in open literature where hybrid composites made with nanophased polymers are investigated for their performances after subjecting them to marine environmental conditions. In our prior studies, we have investigated the tensile, flexural, thermal and thermomechanical, and fatigue responses of polymers modified with nanoclay, carbon nanotubes and nanofibers with both glass and carbon fibers subjected to marine environmental conditions. Results of our studies have indicated that addition of nanoparticles enhanced both static as well as fatigue properties of composites. In the proposed study, we will investigate the properties of hybrid woven fiber reinforced composites after exposing them to cold temperatures and moisture, over a prolonged period. Static and dynamic properties that include fatigue and low-velocity impact loading will be determined. Fundamental studies will be carried out to determine the properties at nanoscale using a nanoindentation setup. The proposed research will address the research interests of the Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology as per the Long term Board Agency Announcement ONR BAA #N00014-19-S-B001, The Sea Warfare and Weapons Department (Code 33). In particular, it will address the research needs of Structural materials of Naval Materials Science and Technology (Division 332), specifically: bulk nanostructured materials, composites materials development and processing; fracture and fatigue damage of Naval structural materials. The outcomes of the research and technology developed will also be relevant to survivability and platform structures program of Ship Systems and Engineering research (Division 331). Further, it will also contribute the ONR mission of developing new scientists and engineers for navy-unique technological areas, especially underrepresented Hispanics to increase diversity in the workforce.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 2020
- Source ID
- W911NF2010287
Entities
People
- Mahesh Hosur
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Texas A&M University–Kingsville