Graphene with different groups on the interfacial properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Abstract

To achieve better interfacial adherence of carbon fibers to the epoxy resin, the graphene modified with ammonia and 3-Glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) was utilized to modify the epoxy resin. Subsequently, a simple two-step method of wet impregnation and the thermoforming process was employed to fabricate the CF/graphene-modified epoxy (CF/EG/EP) composites. The interfacial properties of CF/EP composites were studied using microdroplet debonding and short-beam shear tests on modified graphene (MEG). It is shown that the incorporation of GPTMS-modified graphene into the CF/EP composites strengthened the interfacial and bending properties of CF and matrix, resulting in a 12.5 % growth in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and 22.5 % growth in flexural strength of the CF/EP composites, respectively. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscope images confirmed the effectiveness of the GPTMS-modified graphene in improving the interfacial compatibility and adhesion of CF/EP composites.