Title: INFLUENCE OF MWCNT INCLUSION AND VOID CONTENT ON THE MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF WOVEN GFRP COMPOSITES

Authors: Manish Kumar, Viswanath E D, Supratik Mukhopadhyay, Subham Singh, Kavita Agarwal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33599/GL.2026.INCOMAT.TP26-0004

Abstract: This study presents a unified multiscale-multiphysics framework for predicting the mechanical (elastic), thermal, and electrical properties of plain-weave glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites enhanced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The framework integrates hierarchical homogenisation, voxel-based representative volume elements (RVEs), periodic boundary conditions (PBCs), and the explicit modelling of manufacturing-induced void defects to generate realistic multifunctional property estimations. At the microscale, the epoxy-MWCNT hybrid matrix behaviour is characterised using advanced analytical homogenisation schemes that incorporate agglomeration effects, interfacial resistance, and percolation mechanisms. The resulting homogenised matrix properties are employed in the subsequent yarn-scale homogenisation, where unidirectional fibre composite RVEs are used, and are further upscaled to the fabric scale through plain-weave RVEs generated using TexGen. Matrix porosity is introduced via a MATLAB-based void-generation algorithm, enabling precise control over void geometry, spatial distribution, and volume fraction. Finite element simulations are performed in Abaqus/Standard, with periodic boundary conditions (PBC) enforced automatically through Python scripting to ensure accuracy. Effective elastic moduli are obtained from mechanical loading simulations, thermal conductivities from steady-state heat-transfer analyses, and electrical conductivities from conduction simulations formulated analogously to thermal transport. The numerical predictions indicate that MWCNT incorporation leads to notable enhancements in stiffness, in-plane thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity, with improvement levels increasing proportionally to nanotube content despite the presence of voids. The proposed framework offers a robust and transferable tool for the multifunctional characterisation of hybrid textile composites, enabling property prediction that accounts for defects and textile architecture, and supporting both structural and functional design optimisation in advanced engineering applications.

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Conference: INCOMAT 2026

Publication Date: 2026/03/13

SKU: INCOMAT.TP26-0004

Pages: 15

Price: $30.00