Novel hybrid polymer composites with graphene and MXene nano-reinforcements: computational analysis
This paper presents a computational analysis on the mechanical and damage behavior of novel hybrid polymer composites with graphene and MXene nano-reinforcements targeted for flexible electronics and advanced high-strength structural applications with additional functions, such as real-time monitoring of structural integrity. Geometrical models of three-dimensional representative volume elements of various configurations were generated, and a computational model based on the micromechanical finite element method was developed and solved using an explicit dynamic solver. The influence of the geometrical orientation, aspect ratio, and volume fractions of the inclusions, as well as the interfa…
Numerical investigation of the mechanical properties of a novel hybrid polymer composite reinforced with graphene and MXene nanosheets
Abstract This paper presents a numerical investigation of the elastic properties of a novel hybrid polymer composite reinforced with graphene and MXene nanosheets. A finite element computational model was developed to analyze the mechanical properties of a new polymer hybrid composite reinforced with MXene and graphene taking into account the properties of the 2D nanosheets, different aspect ratios, placement options and volume fractions of nanoreinforcements, as well as the interaction effects between the nanofillers and the surrounding polymer matrix. Using the developed numerical model, the influences of the interface layer properties, MXene and graphene aspect ratio, alignment and volum…
Deformation and failure of MXene nanosheets
This work is aimed at the development of finite element models and prediction of the mechanical behavior of MXene nanosheets. Using LS-Dyna Explicit software, a finite element model was designed to simulate the nanoindentation process of a two-dimensional MXene Ti3C2Tz monolayer flake and to validate the material model. For the evaluation of the adhesive strength of the free-standing Ti3C2Tz-based film, the model comprised single-layered MXene nanosheets with a specific number of individual flakes, and the reverse engineering method with a curve fitting approach was used. The interlaminar shear strength, in-plane stiffness, and shear energy release rate of MXene film were predicted using th…
Electrical conductivity of glass fiber-reinforced plastic with nanomodified matrix for damage diagnostic
The electrical conductivity of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) with epoxy matrix modified by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was studied. The electrical conductivity of nanomodified lamina and multi-layered GFRP was investigated on several levels using a structural approach. Components of the electrical conductivity tensor for unidirectional-reinforced monolayer were calculated similarly as in micromechanics using the conductivity of the nanomodified matrix. The electrical conductivity of multilayer composite was calculated using laminate theory and compared with values measured experimentally for various fiber orientation angles. Calculated and experimental data were in good agree…
Strain Sensing Coatings for Large Composite Structures Based on 2D MXene Nanoparticles
Real-time strain monitoring of large composite structures such as wind turbine blades requires scalable, easily processable and lightweight sensors. In this study, a new type of strain-sensing coating based on 2D MXene nanoparticles was developed. A Ti3C2Tz MXene was prepared from Ti3AlC2 MAX phase using hydrochloric acid and lithium fluoride etching. Epoxy and glass fibre–reinforced composites were spray-coated using an MXene water solution. The morphology of the MXenes and the roughness of the substrate were characterised using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. MXene coatings were first investigated under various ambient conditions. The coating experienced no sign…