Experimental analysis of composite scarf adhesive joints modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes under bending and thermomechanical impact loads

Scarf adhesive joints have attracted an increasing attention in joining/repairing of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite structures due to their zero eccentricity, which provides lower stress distribution across the adhesive layer and better aerodynamic surfaces compared to other bonded joints. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the scarf adhesive joints in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites under thermomechanical impact loads, which is very important for the aerospace and automotive industries. The adhesive was modified with optimum percentage of multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The impact tests were performed at 25 ℃, 50 ℃, and 75 ℃. The residual flexural properties of the unfailed impacted joints were measured using three-point bending test. Results from impact tests at 25 ℃, 50 ℃, and 75 ℃ showed improvement in the impact bending stiffness of the modified scarf adhesive joints by 8.3%, 7.4%, and 11.8% and maximum contact force by 15.6%, 21.3%, and 18.9%, respectively. The energy at failure of the modified scarf adhesive joints with multiwalled carbon nanotubes was improved by 15.2% and 16.4% respectively at 25 ℃ and 50 ℃. At test temperature of 75 ℃, the scarf adhesive joints have hysteresis load–displacement behavior and energy–time curve with rebound energy of 35% and absorbed (damage) energy of 65%. The residual flexural strength of the modified and unmodified scarf adhesive joints is 98.2% and 86.1% respectively, while their residual moduli have remarkable decrease to 71.7% and 81.3%.