Finite element analysis of the effect of CNT, GNP and CB nanofillers on the mechanical strength of a bonded joint

This research focuses on the influence of incorporating nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of an epoxy adhesive. The nanomaterials studied include carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and carbon black (CB), added to the resin at concentrations of 1, 2 and 5 wt%. The nanoparticles-enhanced adhesives were prepared by directly incorporating the nanoparticles into an epoxy resin, followed by mechanical testing inclusing tensile, bending and toughness tests (DCB and ENF). The young’s modulus was determined from the tensile test results. Based on these experimental data, a comparative numerical modeling study was conducted to investigate the effect of these nanoparticles (CNT, GNP and CB) on the stress distribution (von Mises, Shear and Peel) within an epoxy DGEBA bonded joint between two 2024-T3 aluminum plates.