Design of glass fiber reinforced plastics modified with CNT and pre-stretching fabric for potential sports instruments

In this work, a series of quasi-static tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRPs) which have potential applications in sports instruments. The epoxy resins were modified with 0.4%, 0.75%, and 1.1% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by weight and the glass fabrics were pre-stretched at 1.27. kg and 2.47. kg to study the effects of MWCNTs and pre-stretching on the mechanical properties of GFRPs. The experimental results suggested that the MWCNTs played an important role in strengthening the energy absorption capability of GFRPs. The 0.75%/GFRP had higher tensile fracture work with fewer damages, while the 0.4%/GFRP showed the largest flexural strength and failure strain, and both 0.4%/GFRP and 0.75%/GFRP showed damage resistance improving in quasi-static indentation. The MWCNT enhancement mechanisms of tensile and flexural tests also influenced the quasi-static indentation test. Pre-stretch improved the mechanical properties in tension and quasi-static indentation. The mechanical properties of GFRPs were improved under combined pre-stretching and MWCNTs, especially in tensile tests. However, overstretch led to deterioration in the properties in all of the tests.