Fracture Behavior of Smart Nanocomposites with Embedded Sensors

Abstract

Smart nanocomposites, which integrate nanofillers and embedded sensors, are an emerging class of multifunctional materials capable of structural health monitoring while maintaining high mechanical performance. Embedding sensors within polymer matrices or fiber reinforced composites can influence local stress distribution and fracture behavior. This study investigates the fracture mechanisms of smart nanocomposites with embedded piezoelectric, strain gauge, or carbon-based sensors under quasi-static, dynamic, and mixed-mode loading. Nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and silica nanoparticles were fabricated with sensors integrated at specific ply interfaces or dispersed within the matrix. Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and impact resistance were characterized. Fractography using SEM, TEM, and micro-CT revealed crack deflection, fiber–matrix debonding, nanoparticle bridging, and sensor–matrix interaction effects.