Enhancement of the bending strength of I-shaped cross-sectional beam of CFRP by dispersing cellulose nanofibers without hydrophobic treatment on the surface

Abstract

Many researches on strengthening the matrix of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) using cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have been reported. However, hydrophobic treatment to modify the surface of CNFs is indispensable. Authors previously showed that the bending properties of CFRP were enhanced by CNF without hydrophobic treatment after the electro-activated deposition resin molding (ERM) method. CNF can be dispersed on the surface of CFRP since the electro-activated deposition solution is water based. In this study, first, it was confirmed that the tensile properties of CFRP could be enhanced by CNF dispersed on the surface after the ERM method. Also, the weight fraction of CNF was optimized to maximize the tensile properties. Second, the I-shaped cross-sectional beam (I-beam) was molded by laminating the CFRP with CNF dispersed on the surface. It was confirmed that the bending properties of the CFRP I-beam was enhanced by CNF, and the effect of CNF on the interlaminar strength was evaluated.