Enhancing Vibration Damping in Automotive Structures: Impact of MWCNT /Silicone Core on Homogeneous Hybrid Sandwich Composite Performance

ABSTRACT The work showcased in this paper aims to focus on the dynamic performance and flexural properties of sandwich composite panels with multiwall carbon nanotubes reinforced elastomer and pure elastomer core. The sandwich composite face sheets are made up of hybrid composite laminates, and the core element contains multiwall carbon nanotubes reinforced elastomer. The motto of this work is to investigate the flexural, morphological, FTIR, and free vibrational properties of sandwich composites. The obtained data revealed that the flexural strength, modulus, load, and stiffness of 1MWCNT/SE/HG increased by 18.93%, 6.5%, 18.9%, and 35.7%, respectively. Also, the core shear strength and facing stress of 1MWCNT/SE/HG increased by 19% and 18.9%. The doping of nanoparticles in the elastomer core has been examined with the help of a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM). The molecular compounds on the surface of the core material have been investigated using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) in the spectrum range of 400–4000 cm ⁻¹ , and their corresponding peaks are assigned. The free vibrational analysis data reveal that the natural frequency and damping factor are slightly enhanced for 1MWCNT/SE/HG under both fixed‐fixed and fixed‐free conditions. Further, it can be observed that the addition of MWCNT in the elastomer core has a slight influence on the mechanical and vibrational qualities of the sandwich composite panels.