Abstract
The aim of the present study is the development of new composite materials that show improved mechanical and structural integrity. In order to accomplish this goal, a novel functionalization method of the carbon fibers for the reinforcement of the composites surface was investigated. Through the electrografting of methacrylic acid onto the surface of the carbon fiber, this treatment aims to selectively modify the surface of the carbon fabrics, in order to create active groups that can chemically react with the epoxy resin, under heat and pressure. By this way, better adhesion as mechanical interlocking between the resin and the reinforcement can be achieved. The surface treatment was examined qualitatively by means of Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The carbon fiber reinforced polymers were manufactured via the hot-press technique and they were subsequently submitted to flexural, shear and nanoindentation test. Finally, the internal structural integrity was tested through micro-Computing Tomography.
Highlights
Carbon fiber (CF) and their use in carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites(CFRPs) have been widely used as structural and functional materials in a variety of applications, from automotive industry and aerospace applications to sports and leisure, due to their astonishing mechanical and physical properties, such as high strength, high modulus, high temperature and fatigue resistance, electrical conductivity and light weight [1,2]
The surface morphology was estimated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using a PHILIPS Quanta Inspect (FEI Company) microscope with W filament 25 KV equipped with EDAX GENESIS (AMETEX PROCESS & ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS)
After comparing these results with the mid-IR spectrum of epoxy resins, which are found in the existing literature [9], it was observed that the resulting peaks were quasi identical, concluding that the pristine fabric contains epoxy sizing on its outer surface
Summary
Carbon fiber (CF) and their use in carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites(CFRPs) have been widely used as structural and functional materials in a variety of applications, from automotive industry and aerospace applications to sports and leisure, due to their astonishing mechanical and physical properties, such as high strength, high modulus, high temperature and fatigue resistance, electrical conductivity and light weight [1,2]. A weak fiber-resin bond leads to poor mechanical properties, such as low interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), which is attributed to a lack of bonding between the resin matrix and fiber filaments. This problem can be overcome by surface treatment of the fiber; if the bond is rather strong, the composite becomes brittle and weak. A proper engineered interface is crucial to assure the required load transfer from matrix to reinforcements; this will facilitate the relief of internal stress concentrations while improving mechanical integrity and environmental stability of composites efficiently [5]
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