Abstract
The surface of carbon fabric (CF) was treated with nanoparticles (NPs) of Ytterbium fluoride (YbF3) (40–80nm size) in various amounts (0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5wt%) to improve its wettability with a Polyetherimide (PEI) matrix. The effect of treatment on the fibres of the CF was also studied by adhesion testing and fibre tow tension testing. An improvement in wettability with PEI and a slight reduction in the tensile strength of the CF was observed in these tests. Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) indicated the addition of functional groups on the fabric after treatment. Micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS) showed a slight distortion in the structure of the CF due to the treatment. Increased roughness of the fibre surface and adhesion of NPs on the fibre surface were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Composites were developed based on untreated and surface-treated CFs by impregnation techniques. The composites were analysed for interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and a maximum improvement of 61% was observed for the 0.3% concentration of YbF3, followed by a slight decline in ILSS, indicating that it was the optimum dose.
Highlights
To explore the full potential of carbon fibres as reinforcements for desired composites, it is necessary to have an adequate fibre‐matrix interface to ensure effective load transfer from the matrix to the fibre [1, 2]
NPs in excess amounts may cause a lesser increase in the properties of composites with the formation of rare earth salt crystals on the surface of carbon fibre, which affects the bond between the fibre and the matrix [12]
Based on the studies on composites developed with a PEI matrix and carbon fabric (CF) treated with nano‐rare earth particles (YbF3) in various concentrations, the following conclusions were drawn
Summary
To explore the full potential of carbon fibres as reinforcements for desired composites, it is necessary to have an adequate fibre‐matrix interface to ensure effective load transfer from the matrix to the fibre [1, 2]. Carbon fibres are chemically inert in nature and have poor wettability and adsorption with most matrices. There have been various reported attempts to improve their wettability [3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. The surface treatment of fibres may either produce chemical bonds on their surface (leading more interaction with the matrix) or roughen the surface (mechanical keying between the resin and fibre) or do both, which leads to more adhesion with the matrix.
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