In this research, the addition effects of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) on low velocity impact
behavior of Carbon/Aramid Fiber Reinforced (CAFRP) intra-ply hybrid composites were studied. In this
regard, three types of pure, 0.1 wt.% and 0.5 wt.% introduced CAFRP intra-ply hybrid composites were
fabricated by Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) method. The profile energy method
was used to determine the penetration and perforation threshold. The main purpose of this research
was to improve the impact behavior of CAFRP by addition of MWCNT to the matrix of these composites.
The low velocity impact test was also carried out in 30, 50, 80 and 120 J energy values. The effect
of addition MWCNTs in the matrix of composite was investigated by plotting force, absorbed energy
and deflection vs. time and the key parameters of impact test such as maximum contact force,
absorbed energy, deflection and duration time were compared for pure and multi scale CAFRP composited.
According to the results, the addition of MWCNT improved the low velocity impact behavior
of CAFRP intra-ply hybrid composites by not only increasing the toughness of epoxy matrix but also
upgrade the adhesion of carbon fibers to the epoxy matrix. It was also found that fiber breakage, fiber
pull out, matrix cracking, delamination and fiber matrix debonding were the most important failure
modes in these types of tested composites.