Development of 0.2gm MWCNT reinforced Al-Carbon fiber metal laminate(CARALL)

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) reinforced with aluminium based bi-directional carbon fiber composite is fabricated and tested for aerospace application. A 0.2gm MWCNT reinforced with three different laminates such as Al-Carbon, Al-Glass and Al-Kevlar are prepared using hand lay-up technique. Tensile and flexural specimens are fabricated using water jet cutting with the various combinations of laminate. Mechanical strength characteristics are examined and the results indicated that 0.2gm MWCNT Al-Carbon laminate has obtained maximum tensile strength of 233 MPa and flexural strength of 152 MPa in comparison with other laminates. The fabricated combination of laminate can be utilised to fabricate aircraft wing fuselage structure. (paper)