Formation of bridging network between carbon nanotube and Kevlar fabric reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane composites for enhanced mechanical properties

The mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites are significantly influenced by the reinforcing fillers, polymer matrix and fabrication techniques. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced aramid fabric/polymer matrix is mainly used for manufacturing defence-related smart materials such as body armour and smart structural applications. In this paper, we reported the mechanical behaviour of MWCNT/TPU and MWCNT/aramid fabric (Kevlar)/TPU composites (KTPU) by adding the different concentrations of MWCNTs. Here static mechanical behaviour of aramid fabric/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) reinforced CNTs composites were investigated. Significantly improved puncture behaviour was showcased by 3 phr of MWCNTs reinforced aramid fabric/TPU composites. The calculated cohesion from the puncture test was found to be higher than the values found from conventional low confinement compression tests. The puncture testing of the composites provided an optimum load-bearing capacity by the fabrics which were the highest (216 kN) for KTPU3 reinforcements. The experimental results were verified with simulation analysis which showed a good matching. It indicated the formation of bridging network of CNTs with the Kevlar/TPU composites, resulting in increased mechanical properties along with a superior interfacial interaction. Thus, the aramid/CNTs/TPU composites are promising materials for manufacturing of soft body armours. (author)