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Abstract
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This article investigates the effect of Fullerene and SWCNT (Single-Walled Carbon NanoTubes)nanoparticles, which are newly discovered crystalline carbon structures comprising of a single graphene layer, on the fatigue life of the adhesive in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) single lap joints (SLJs) before and after exposure to hygrothermal conditions. To achieve this, several SLJ samples were produced with varying percentages (ranging from 0 to 5% Vf) of SWCNT, Fullerene, and a combination of both materials (50-50% Vf of each) designed using Responsive Surface Method (RSM). Afterward, the SLJ samples were subjected to hygrothermal conditions with a temperature of 70℃ and 100% humidity for two weeks. Subsequently, compression-tension fatigue testing was performed on the samples with a frequency of 20 Hz and R=-1 to evaluate their fatigue life. The amount of moisture absorption and failure modes of the SLJs were also measured and compared with the results obtained prior to the application of hygrothermal conditions. The findings revealed that the incorporation of nanoparticles, particularly Fullerene, reduced moisture absorption. The number of cycles to failure was predominantly improved in SLJs containing SWCNT and a combination of both nanoparticles. The impact of hygrothermal aging altered the failure mode from cohesive to adhesive in most of the samples. Ultimately, the optimal percentage of particles to attain the highest number of cycles to failure (20571 cycles and 22369.7 before and after hygrothermal aging, respectively) was 2.18 Vol.% of mixed particles. The use of nanoreinforced adhesives can improve the fatigue life and reduce moisture absorption in bonded joints, leading to more reliable and long-lasting structures like aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction industries.
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