Abstract
Carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced high-temperature thermoplastics such as poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS) are widely used in structural composites for aerospace and automotive applications. The porosity of CF-reinforced polymers is a very important topic for practical applications since there is a direct correlation between void content and mechanical properties. In this study, inorganic fullerene-like tungsten disulphide (IF-WS2) lubricant nanoparticles were used to manufacture PPS/IF-WS2/CF laminates via melt-blending and hot-press processing, and the effect of IF-WS2 loading on the quality, thermal and mechanical behaviour of the hybrid composites was investigated. The addition of IF-WS2 improved fiber impregnation, resulting in lower degree of porosity and increased delamination resistance, compression and flexural properties; their reinforcement effect was greater at temperatures above the glass transition (Tg). IF-WS2 contents higher than 0.5 wt % increased Tg and the heat deflection temperature while reduced the coefficient of thermal expansion. The multiscale laminates exhibited higher ignition point and notably reduced peak heat release rate compared to PPS/CF. The coexistence of micro- and nano-scale fillers resulted in synergistic effects that enhanced the stiffness, strength, thermal conductivity and flame retardancy of the matrix. The results presented herein demonstrate that the IF-WS2 are very promising nanofillers to improve the thermomechanical properties of conventional thermoplastic/CF composites.
Highlights
Fiber-reinforced thermosetting laminates have been widely used in aerospace, marine and automobile industries [1,2] during the past few decades replacing traditional materials such as steel and aluminum due to their good engineering properties including high specific strength, stiffness and fatigue endurance, high damping and low coefficient of thermal expansion combined with low density [3]
There is a direct correlation between void content and interlaminar shear strength; it has been reported that the interlaminar shear decreases by 4%–8% per each 1% of voids [27]
Comparing the results obtained at both temperatures, it seems that the mechanical response of the laminates is the same from the elastic point of view, but the magnitude of σsbs decreases at 120 °C due to the ductile behaviour of the poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS) chains that is enhanced at T > Tg
Summary
Fiber-reinforced thermosetting laminates have been widely used in aerospace, marine and automobile industries [1,2] during the past few decades replacing traditional materials such as steel and aluminum due to their good engineering properties including high specific strength, stiffness and fatigue endurance, high damping and low coefficient of thermal expansion combined with low density [3]. It was found that at temperatures higher than the glass transition of these materials, the quality of the fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion significantly decreased, resulting in reduced mechanical properties under off-axis loading conditions, and their behaviour became highly time-dependent due to the viscoelastic nature of the TP matrix [6,8] Their mechanical performance was strongly influenced by the degree of crystallinity of the matrix in the laminates [16], since the crystalline phase tends to increase the stiffness and tensile strength while the amorphous phase is more effective in absorbing impact energy. Amongst the most promising types of nanoreinforcements are inorganic nanotubes (INT) and fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles (e.g., layered metal dichalcogenides such as WS2 and MoS2) [19], which possess extraordinary properties such as very high stiffness and strength, and are strong enough to withstand uniform pressures up to GPa [20] Their outstanding mechanical properties can be attributed to their small size (typically in the range of 40–180 nm), quasi-spherical shape, closed-cage layered structure and chemical inertness.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
