• Composites Research
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.8-14
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• 2009

Interfacial evaluation of glass fiber reinforced carbon nanotube (CNT)-epoxy nanocomposite was investigated by micromechanical technique in combination with wettability test. The contact resistance of the CNT-epoxy nanocomposite was measured using a gradient specimen, containing electrical contacts with gradually-increasing spacing. The contact resistance of CNT-epoxy nanocomposites was evaluated by using the two-point method rather than the four-point method. Due to the presence of hydrophobic domains on the heterogeneous surface, the static contact angle of CNT-epoxy nanocomposite was about $120^{\circ}$, which was rather lower than that for super-hydrophobicity. For surface treated-glass fibers, the tensile strength decreased dramatically, whereas the tensile modulus exhibited little change despite the presence of flaws on the etched fiber surface. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between the etched glass fiber and the CNT-epoxy nanocomposites increased due to the enhanced surface energy and roughness. As the thermodynamic work of adhesion, $W_a$ increased, both the mechanical IFSS and the apparent modulus increased, which indicated the consistency with each other.

• Composites Research
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.24-30
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• 2010

Interfacial evaluation and hydrophobicity of Ni-nanopowder/epoxy composites were investigated for self-sensing and actuation. Contact resistance and resistivity were measured using gradient micro-specimens. The actuation of the composites in the electromagnetic field was studied with three wave functions, i.e., sine, triangle and square functions. Due tothe presence of hydrophobic domains on the heterogeneous surface, the static contact angle of Ni-nanopowder/epoxy nanocomposite wasabout $100^{\circ}$, which was rather lower than that for super-hydrophobicity. The dynamic contact angle showed the similar trend of static contact angle. Ni-nanopowder/epoxy composite was responded wellfor both self-sensing and actuation in electromagnetic field due to the intrinsic metal property of Ni-nanopowder. Displacement of the actuator of Ni-nanopowder/epoxy composite was evaluated to obtain the maximum and the optimum performance using laser displacement sensor as functions of the wave type, frequency, and voltage. Actuation of Ni-nanopowder/epoxy composites also increased as functions of applied frequency and voltage. Actuated strain increased more rapidly at sine wave with increasing voltage compared to those of triangle or rectangular waves.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.149-154
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• 2010

Interfacial evaluation was investigated for single-carbon fiber/phenolic and carbon nanotube (CNT)-phenolic composites by micromechanical technique and electrical resistance measurement combined with wettability test. Compressive strength of pure phenol and CNT-phenolic composites were compared using Broutman specimen. The contact resistance of CNT-phenolic composites was obtained using a gradient specimen by two and four-point methods. Surface energies and wettability by dynamic contact angle measurement were measured using Wilhelmy plate technique. Since hydrophobic domains are formed as heterogeneous microstructure of CNT in the surface, the dynamic contact angle exhibited more than $90^{\circ}$. CNT-phenolic composites exhibited a higher apparent modulus than neat phenolic case due to better stress transferring effect. Work of adhesion, $W_a$ between single-carbon fiber and CNT-phenolic composites exhibited higher than neat phenolic resin due to the enhanced viscosity by CNT addition. It was consistent with micro-failure patterns in microdroplet test.