Improving the Efficiency of Single Lap Riveted Joints in the Carbon Nanofiller Reinforced Laminated Polymer Composites

Glass fiber reinforced polymer laminated (GFRPL) composites are extensively used in the development of multiple loading and high performance engineering components. It consists of greater properties, such as enhanced strength-to-weight ratio, and exceptional thermal stability. This plays a vital role in advanced composite manufacturing, that includes automobile parts, aeroplane parts, spaceships, and sporting goods. During manufacturing, the polymeric laminates essentially require the joining procedure while assembling the structural applications; in such cases, the bolted joint is frequently used to connect the different structural components. In the structural design of two-component joints, the component is governed by the durability and joint strength rather than the component capacity. In the joint setup, many types of joints are used to connect the fibrous composite, i.e., adhesive joint, bolted joint, and riveted joint. This work enhanced the riveted joint efficiency of laminated composite plates. The neat GFRPL and modified GFRPL samples were developed at 1, 2, and 3 Wt.% loading of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Herein, the effect of MWCNT on single-lap riveted joining behavior and feasibility was investigated. The lap joint aluminum blind rivet with a 5 mm diameter was used to join the two composites’ specimens. The tensile test of single lap riveted joint specimen, impact, and Shore D hardness tests were performed to analyze the composite’s shear strength, energy absorption, and hardness. The outcome showed that the MWCNT loading enhances the shear strength, ductility, and hardness. The findings revealed that the higher shear strength and maximum failure load capacity were obtained for GFRPL samples modified by 1 Wt.% supplement of MWCNT as compared to the neat GFRPL, 2 and 3 Wt.% samples. The net tension failure occurred between the hole and the structure’s side edges. Optimizing the geometrical configuration of the single-lap riveted joint helps reduce bearing failure and applied net tension. The analysis of the riveted joint revealed its potential for further structural applications. Further, the morphological investigation of the fracture surface of the tested specimens and the elemental composition of the developed nanocomposites was explored.