Boron nitride nanosheet enabled damping enhancement in carbon fiber epoxy composites through interfacial and matrix mechanisms

This study demonstrates a significant enhancement of damping properties in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites through the strategic incorporation of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) into the epoxy matrix. A customized dispersion and mixing process ensured uniform distribution of 1.2 vol% BNNS within the epoxy resin. Dynamic mechanical analysis results indicated a 35% increase in the loss factor at the glass transition temperature and a 15% broadening of the damping peak profile compared to untreated composites. Quasi-static testing revealed a simultaneous 12% improvement in interlaminar shear strength, reaching 89 MPa. The damping enhancement is attributed to two synergistic mechanisms: interfacial energy dissipation through optimized frictional slip at the modified fiber-matrix interface and constrained polymer chain mobility within the BNNS-reinforced epoxy matrix. Micromechanical modeling and fracture surface analysis provide further evidence for these energy dissipation pathways. The presented approach offers a promising methodology for developing advanced composite materials with superior vibration damping characteristics and maintained structural integrity, primarily for high-performance sports equipment such as carbon fiber bicycles, tennis rackets, and skis, with potential for widespread adoption in aerospace and automotive engineering.