Session: 03-12-02: Testing and Characterization

Paper Number: 138518

138518 - Investigating the Synergistic Enhancement of Mechanical and Surface Properties of Composite Materials With Carbon Dust-Infused Polyacrylonitrile-Based Electrospun Nanomats. 

Composite materials have become an integral part of the aerospace and automotive industries, primarily due to their durable mechanical and thermal properties, lightweight construction, high strength, corrosion resistance, fire resistance, and flexibility in manufacturing. However, ensuring the proper management of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite waste material (e.g., milling carbon dust, out-of-life composites etc.) is critical due to its dual impact – environmentally, as well as in consideration of the energy-intensive manufacturing procedures involved. Simultaneously, enhancing fiber-reinforced composite materials' mechanical and surface properties has become a key concern to ensure reliability, prolong service life, reduce cost, and address the challenges to reducing carbon footprint. Studies suggest that embedding polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based nanomat in CFRP composites enhances mechanical strength. The current study focuses on the characterization of mechanical and surface properties of CFRP composites embedded with carbon dust-infused PAN nanomats. In this study, the PAN solution was infused with carbon dust particles obtained from composite milling operations, and later, nanomats were derived from the solution through electrospinning. These nanofiber mats were then embedded in an 8-ply quasi-isotropic CFRP composites. Compared to control specimens, enhanced mechanical performance, and improved surface properties such as increased hydrophobicity and surface roughness were evident in the observations. In conclusion, incorporating waste carbon dust from composite manufacturing operations can mitigate environmental impact and enhance the quality of manufactured parts, promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. 

Presenting Author: Sharmin Akter University of Texas at Arlington

Presenting Author Biography: I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington while working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant as well as Research Assistant at UT Arlington Research Institute. I earned my bachelor's degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
My research interests involve Composite Manufacturing, Recycling and Repurposing of Composite Materials, Performance Analysis of Composite Materials, Additive Manufacturing.