Effect of matrix modification on the mechanical properties of short carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

Effects of matrix modification using liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) on the mechanical behavior of short CFreinforced epoxy composite were investigated in this study. Composite samples were prepared in four different concentrations: 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt% fiber fractions. Flexural and fracture toughness tests were performed to observe the mechanical behavior of the samples. LENR improved the mechanical properties due to the plasticizing effect of rubber particles which increased the flexibility and led to a higher debonding strength. The results showed that the treated carbon had improved the flexural strength and flexural modulus by 77% and 21.8% at 7 wt% fiber loadings, respectively, while fracture toughness increased by 15% at 10 wt% fiber loadings compared to the neat epoxy.