Inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles and nanotubes of tungsten disulfide as reinforcement of carbon-epoxy composites

A possibility was examined to enhance carbon-epoxy laminated composite mechanical properties by introducing a small concentration of reinforcing nanostructures - multi-wall onion-shaped fullerene-like nanoparticles of tungsten disulfide IF-WS2, and its multi-layer hollow nanotubes, INT-WS2, both known for their outstanding thermal, chemical, and mechanical resistance. Composite structures were prepared using a unidirectional prepreg of strong carbon fibers and epoxy resin, poly (vinyl butyral) solution in ethanol with ultrasonically dispersed WS2 nanostructures in it. Particle size analysis has been performed to evaluate the quality of IF-WS2 nanoparticles. SEM/EDS analysis was applied to observe the nanostructures, their dispersion in the composite, and the fracture zone after mechanical resistance tests of the prepared composite samples. Thorough mechanical tests were performed on a set of specimens with different fiber orientations: tensile test, bending test, and interlaminar shear test. The encouraging results were obtained, indicating that these newly designed light-weight composites are applicable for the automotive and nautical industry, unmanned aerial vehicles, and military aircrafts.