Carbon Fabric Reinforcement Research Articles

Thermophysical Characterization of Materials for Energy-Efficient Double Diaphragm Preforming

The Double Diaphragm Preforming (DDPF) process uses vacuum pressure and heat to pre-shape dry carbon fabric reinforcements between flexible diaphragms in liquid composite molding (LCM). Accurate modeling of heat transfer within DDPF requires knowledge of the thermophysical properties of the constituent materials under processing conditions. This study investigates the thermal conductivity of silicone diaphragms and carbon fabrics with embedded thermoplastic binder webs, utilizing transient plane source (TPS) and modified transient plane source (MTPS) methods, respectively. Additionally, the specific heat of silicone, carbon fibers (both chopped and powdered), and binder were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mixed samples comprising chopped fibers with 1.8 wt% binder and powdered fibers with 3.6 wt% binder was also analyzed with DSC. This study also examined the influence of reheating cycles on the specific heat of carbon fiber—3.6 wt% binder samples—and the effect of compaction and vacuum on the thermal conductivity of carbon fabrics with an embedded binder. While silicone exhibited linear-specific heat behavior, the thermoplastic binder showed non-linearity due to phase change. The combined carbon fiber-binder samples demonstrated slight non-linear specific heat variations depending on reheating cycles. The thermal conductivity of the fabric preforms decreased with the addition of thermoplastic binder and under vacuum-compaction conditions. The established temperature-dependent specific heat relationships and thermal conductivity provide valuable data for optimizing DDPF preforming parameters and enhancing energy efficiency in composite manufacturing.

High strain rate effect and dynamic compressive behaviour of auxetic cementitious composites

Masonry walls are known for their limited impact resistance, even when retrofitted with CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced polymer) and nanomaterials. This paper presents the findings of an experimental study using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests aimed at exploring the potential application of auxetics textile reinforced mortar (TRM) composites in impact protection. This study will provide the initial understanding of the composite as a structural reinforcement solution for masonry walls. Key findings reveal that the peak strength increases with rising strain rates, highlighting significant strain rate sensitivity in TRMs with auxetic (AX) and carbon fabric (CF) reinforcements. AX samples exhibit better energy absorption as compared to the reference plain mortar (PM) samples, particularly at higher strain rates, surpassing CF samples beyond 150 s−1. Moreover, the insertion of auxetic and carbon fabrics eliminates crack development and mitigates the severity of sample failure. The negative Poison ratio effect of auxetic fabrics significantly enhances the lateral confinement, ultimately improving the dynamic performance of AX samples compared to CF samples. These findings underscore the potential of auxetic materials in enhancing dynamic performance, particularly under high strain rates, with clear implications for engineering applications, including in masonry buildings.

Effect of anchorages on C-FRCM/concrete interfacial shear performance

In this study, single-lap shear tests were performed on 42 concrete specimens that were reinforced with Carbon Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (C-FRCM). The interfacial properties were enhanced through the use of fabric end-bending anchorage, a U-shaped hoop, and multiple U-shaped hoops. The bond performance of the C-FRCM/concrete interface was analyzed by examining the failure mode, ultimate stress, and interface slip of the specimens, considering four parameters: bond length of C-FRCM, number of fabric layers, fabric end-bending anchorage, and U-shaped hoop anchorage, as well as their respective mechanisms. The bond-slip constitutive parameters were calculated based on the trilinear cohesive material law and load-displacement simulation curves were obtained for each specimen through numerical simulation, which were in agreement with the test results, verifying the law's validity. Finally, the positive effect of anchorages on the constitutive parameters was analyzed.

Discarded water hyacinth/pineapple fibers and carbon/innegra fabrics and TiC nanoparticles reinforced UV resistant polyester composites

The widespread utilization of plant cellulose fiber-inorganic fillers-synthetic fabric-reinforced laminates is the current trend in the research field. This investigation studies the effect of chemically treated and untreated water hyacinth/pineapple leaf, titanium carbide nanoparticles, Innegra, and carbon fabric reinforcement on the physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of ultra-violet resistant polyester hybrid composites. The chemically treated and untreated water hyacinth/pineapple leaf fibers were examined from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and found that chemically treated fibers have an excellent interlocking bond with TiC nanoparticles, Innegra, carbon fabric, and polyester matrix. The maximum tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear, impact strength, and shore hardness also affirmed good interfacial bonding of fillers and textiles within the matrix as examined from SEM micrographs. The present investigation also determines the forecasting of the approaches and performance of artificial neural network (ANN) to model the material characteristics of fabricated polyester hybrid composite. Furthermore, the ANN model was more accurate and a valuable technique to optimize the material characteristics of the developed polyester hybrid composite.

Mechanical and Hygroscopic Characteristics of Unidirectional Jute/Glass and Jute/Carbon Hybrid Laminates

ABSTRACT Physical and mechanical performance of natural fiber composites can be tailored by hybridizing with synthetic fibers. Jute fibers are promising and highly available at a low cost in some countries, and they have been used in several applications, with the extra benefit of helping socially depressed people who commonly explore this plant. This work investigates the effect of hybridization on the properties of jute/glass and jute/carbon laminates with polyester resin. Nine different laminates were manufactured by vacuum infusion using unidirectional jute, E-glass, and carbon fabric reinforcements. Tensile, flexural, and short beam tests were performed in accordance with ASTM standards. The hybrid composites showed generally intermediate properties compared to the non-hybrid two-component laminates. The mechanical properties of the hybrid composites were 50–75% smaller than those of their respective pure glass and pure carbon composites, but 30–300% higher compared to the pure jute composite. Among the hybrids, the number of layers of the synthetic fiber played the most important role on properties, rather than the layup. That is, the variation in the number of jute fabrics may produce the required combination of stiffness and strength for different applications. Besides, the hybrid laminates, with more layers of synthetic fibers showed better hygroscopic performance.

Multi-objective Optimization of Thermal and Sound Insulation Properties of Basalt and Carbon Fabric Reinforced Composites Using the Taguchi Grey Relations Analysis

ABSTRACT In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to explore the thermal and acoustic insulation capabilities of basalt fabric and carbon fabric-reinforced composite materials. The relationship between fabric additive ratios and sound and thermal absorption qualities has been studied. The resin is mixed with two distinct mineral powder additions. Taguchi Grey Relations Analysis optimization approach was utilized to discover the composite material with the optimum sound and thermal insulation qualities. The Taguchi Method Experimental Design L18 (mixed 3–6 levels) was chosen. Fabric (six levels), Al2O3 (alumina) filler (three levels), and SiC (silicon carbide) filler (three levels) were chosen as test parameters as input variables based on the experimental design. Sound Transmission Loss and Thermal Conduction Coefficient were chosen as the output parameters to be optimized as response variables. The study’s findings led to the identification of optimal samples for thermal conductivity coefficient and sound transmission loss testing, as well as confirmation tests for these samples. Using the Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis, the best input parameters were discovered to be 30% carbon, 0% Al2O3, and 5% SiC for the best Thermal Conductivity Coefficients (W/mK) and Sound Transmission Loss (dB). As a result of the confirmation test, an improvement of 0.15 was found.

Improving the Mechanical Performance of Timber Railway Sleepers with Carbon Fabric Reinforcement: An Experimental and Numerical Study

Abstract This paper proposes an externally bonded carbon fabric system to mitigate the causes of timber sleeper deterioration. Therefore, three methods of carbon fabric application for timber sleep...

Influence of the Multilayer Nature of Reinforcement of Open Thin-Walled Cylindrical Carbon Shells on Their Natural Vibrations

In the near future, mega-long-span structures will be required for creating stable microclimate over large areas, regardless of the natural conditions, for comfortable living of people. Thin-walled shell structures made of carbon materials with high strength properties are best suited for this purpose. The problem with thin-walled shells resides in vibrations caused by the action of external forces, which can lead to structural failure. The paper presents and experimental study of influence of the multilayer nature of reinforcement of open thin-walled cylindrical carbon shells on their natural vibrations. Experimental data have been compared to the theoretical calculations of open thin-walled cylindrical shell vibrations taking into account the frequency spectrum splitting. It has been found that with the increase in the number of carbon fabric reinforcement layers, vibration frequency deviation in open thin-walled cylindrical carbon shells increases at the initial stage as compared to the analytic model.

Quasi-static perforation response of inter-ply hybrid polypropylene composites at various temperatures

This study is motivated by the lack of knowledge in the research of mechanical characterization of thermoplastic composites (TPCs) with additional fiber hybridization. To enhance the mechanical properties of long glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite, hybridization via alkaline-treated aramid and carbon fabrics is performed. High performance fabrics modified with 10 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) aqueous solution are incorporated into the PP composite as reinforcements. Herewith, four arrangements (hybrid composites) for two different reinforcements and two different stacking configurations and the monolithic composite are separately investigated in terms of quasi-static perforation behavior. Failure mechanisms are also evaluated at macro level by visual observations and micro scales through a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results provide a basis for selecting fiber-enabled hybridization and lay-up configuration with improved perforation resistance. Moreover, the influence of test temperature is reported for three different values as 20°C, 60°C, and 100°C. Based upon the results, the maximum penetration force of hybrid configuration with single-layered aramid fabric reinforcements is approximately 15.5% higher than that of single-layered carbon fabric reinforcements at 60°C test temperature. It is further observed that the absorbed energy improves as the number of fabrics is increased in both aramid and carbon reinforcements. The test temperatures significantly affect the failure mechanisms of TPCs. A smaller damaged area at the penetrated faces of the hybrid structures is obtained by comparison with the monolithic TPCs.

Study on the Corroded Hollow Section RC Columns Strengthened by ICCP-SS System

In this paper, the behavior of corroded hollow section RC (reinforced concrete) columns strengthened by an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection and Structural Strengthening (ICCP-SS) system was investigated. The Carbon Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (C-FRCM) composite serves dual functions in the intervention method. The axial compression behavior of strengthened columns was firstly investigated through axial compression tests. The influence of corrosion ratio and C-FRCM strengthening on the test results, such as failure mode, load–displacement curve, ultimate load, and ultimate strain, were analyzed. Test results showed that the ultimate load of the corroded specimens could be enhanced significantly by C-FRCM, and the ductility of the strengthened specimens was larger than the specimens without strengthening, especially for the specimens with higher corrosion ratios. Secondly, the effects of the ICCP-SS system on the migration and distribution laws of chloride ions (Cl−) in hollow section RC columns were analyzed by the potentiometric titration method. The main parameters include charging time, current density, and salt addition. Results showed that the rebar would have a certain blocking effect on the migration of Cl−, which resulted in that the content of Cl− in the inner side of the rebar was always larger than that of the outer side; and research results also showed that the increase of impressed current density and charge time would reduce the Cl− content on both sides of the rebar, while the impressed current would cause the Cl− near the rebars to constantly move toward the vicinity of CFRP.

Thermomechanical Properties of Carbon Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Laminates with h-BN and MoS2 Fillers

Abstract This work endeavors to investigate thermomechanical performance of carbon fabric reinforced epoxy composite (CEC) with fillers – hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The filler of 2, 4, 6, and 8 Wt.% was dispersed precisely in the epoxy resin through magnetic stirring and ultrasonication, prepared the filler loaded CEC using vacuum bag technique and studied the composite behavior at an elevated temperature by dynamic mechanical analysis. The 6 Wt.% MoS2-CEC showed 70% enhancement of storage modulus since the filler in the epoxy networks increased the composite stiffness. The increase in G-band intensity of Raman spectra in the filler loaded composites confirmed the improved matrix-fiber stress transfer. The 4 Wt.% BN-CEC revealed the highest glass-transition temperature 92°C. The thermogravimetric analysis of the composite exhibited a two-step thermal decomposition: epoxy matrix (nearby 260°C) and carbon fibers (beyond 420°C). The 4 Wt.% MoS2-CEC showed the maximum degree of crosslinking, twice the neat CEC, the MoS2 restrained the mobility of the epoxy chains and decreased the thermal decomposition. Both the filler loaded composites have comparable thermal stability and are significantly improved than the neat CEC. Thus, the composite containing solid lubricant filler up to 6 Wt.% shall be used for high-temperature applications.

Fire‐retardant carbon/glass fabric‐reinforced epoxy sandwich composites for structural applications

AbstractIn this study, the fire‐retardant performance of lightweight sandwich composites, with modified epoxy impregnated carbon and glass fabric reinforcements and an aluminum honeycomb core, is investigated. The fire‐retardant performance of the fabricated sandwich composites is improved by treating carbon fiber reinforcements with phosphoric acid, and by impregnating the epoxy matrix with different loadings of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) fire‐retardant additive. The laboratory aging behavior of sandwich composites is also carried out to further investigate the degradation resistance of the panels under extreme conditions. Fire and mechanical properties of epoxy and sandwich panels are investigated using UL‐94, limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermal gravimetric analysis, compression tests, and three‐point bending tests. In the case of sandwich composites, a maximum of 1345 and 45.2 MPa flexural and compression modulus, respectively, are achieved with 10 wt% APP content in epoxy. Maximum 30% and 33% LOI values are achieved with 10% APP content in the epoxy and sandwich panels, respectively.

The effect of self-resistance electric heating on the interfacial behavior of injection molded carbon fiber/polypropylene composites through molecular dynamics analysis

The impregnation of carbon fabric reinforcements in an injection mold through self-resistance electric (SRE) heating opens the way for manufacturing carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics in quantities and low cost. The surface morphology evolution of carbon fiber under SRE heating may affect the interfacial properties of resulting composites. In this work, molecular dynamics was introduced to investigate the atomic-level interaction between carbon fiber (CF) and polypropylene (PP) in composites. The influence of CF surface morphology on the interfacial impregnation ability, mechanical properties and interface failure mechanism were explored. Simulation results reveal that increasing the aspect ratio or the amount of grooves of CF surface can enhance the quality of composite interface. The interface failure mode was found to be related to CF surface morphology. In addition, the high kinetic energy enrichment area was used to predict the evolution of micro-void inside the polymer bulk.

Studies on mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of carbon fibre-reinforced boron nitride-filled epoxy composites

This research focuses on the static mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of carbon fibre epoxy (CF/Ep) composites filled with boron nitride (BN) micro-filler powder (BN-CF/Ep). The mechanical properties studied were tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength and hardness. The thermal properties studied were dynamic mechanical and thermogravimetric analyses which were analysed through dynamic mechanical analyser and thermogravimetric analyser, respectively. The curing ability and dispersion of BN filler in the Ep and composites were investigated through differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectra and scanning electron microscopy. The tribological properties focused were three-body abrasion and dry sliding friction and wear conduct. Three-body abrasion tests were studied with silica sand of 212 µm particle size, 30 N load, 2.38 m s−1 sliding velocity and variable abrasive distances of 250 m, 500 m, 750 m and 1000 m. The dry sliding wear tests were performed using pin-on-disc (POD) wear experimental set-up with 60 N load, 3 m s−1 sliding velocity and variable sliding distances of 1000 m, 2000 m and 3000 m. The results followed the trend of BN1% > BN3% > BN5% composites in all mechanical properties. The carbon fabric reinforcement along with the BN-Ep matrix improved enormously all the mechanical properties except impact resistance. Further, it was exhibited that 1 wt% BN into CF/Ep prompts better mechanical properties with predominant damping capacity and thermal stability. Both the dry sand abrasive wear and POD test outcomes revealed that all BN-CF/Ep composites prompt predominant wear resistance. CF along with BN improves enormously the wear resistance with friction coefficient. Further, it was exhibited that 1 wt% BN into CF/Ep in both three-body abrasive and POD tests prompts better wear resistance. Generally speaking, it was presumed that BN-CF/Ep gracefully and successfully improved the mechanical, thermal and tribological properties and morphology of Ep for various mechanical, electrical components and load-bearing applications used in automotive and engineered applications.

Studies on the Role of Graphene Nanoplatelets on Mechanical Properties, Dynamic-mechanical and Thermogravimetric Analysis of Carbon-Epoxy Composites

This research focuses on the tensile properties, dynamic-mechanical and thermogravimetric analysis of carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy (CF/Ep) composites with graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) nanofiller (G-CF/Ep). These composites were portrayed regarding tensile properties, surface morphology, dynamic-mechanical and thermogravimetric analysis. The dynamic-mechanical properties studied were storage modulus, loss modulus, dynamic capacity and glass transition temperature (Tg) through the dynamic-mechanical analyser. The thermogravimetric property studied was weight loss% through the thermogravimetric analyser. The carbon fabric reinforcement along with the GnP-Epoxy matrix improved the tensile properties. Further, it was exhibited that 1.75 wt% GnP into CF/Ep prompts predominant damping capacity and thermal stability. Generally speaking, it was presumed that GnP-filled CF/Ep composites even with very small wt% GnP gracefully and successfully improved tensile, dynamic-mechanical and thermogravimetric properties as well as the morphology of epoxy for various engineered applications.

Ablation Behavior of a Carbon Fabric Reinforced Phenolic Composite Modified by Surface-Decorated ZrB2/SiC.

Carbon fabric reinforced phenolic composites were widely used as TPSs (thermal protection system) material in the aerospace industry. However, their limited oxidative ablation resistance restricted their further utility in more serious service conditions. In this study, the surface-decorated ZrB2/SiC and its modified carbon fabric reinforced phenolic composites have been successfully prepared. The self-modification mechanism of the surface-decorated ZrB2/SiC particles were characterized. The mechanical performance and ablation behavior of the composites were investigated. Results showed that the ZrB2/SiC particles possessed a good surface-decorated effect, which achieved good compatibility with the phenolic resin. The mechanical performance of the modified phenolic composite was effectively improved. The anti-oxidative ablation performance of the composite was improved. The mass ablation rate of the surface-decorated ZrB2–SiC-modified carbon fabric reinforced phenolic composites was 25% lower than that of the unmodified composites. The formed ZrO2 ceramic layer attached to the surface of the residual chars prevented the heat energy and oxygen from the inner material. Meanwhile, the volatilization of SiO2 and B2O3 effectively increased the heat dissipation. All these results confirmed that the ZrB2–SiC particles can effectively improve the ablation resistance of the composite, which provided a basis for the application of the composites to more serious service environments.

Elastocaloric effects of carbon fabric-reinforced shape memory polymer composites

The applications of the elastocaloric cooling effect (eCE) of shape memory poly(cyclooctene) (PCO) to portable cold-storage devices at high temperatures have been demonstrated. These applications arise due to its good shape fixation properties upon cold-drawing. In this paper, we report that carbon fabric-reinforced PCO composites exhibit enhanced eCE compared to pure PCO due to the increased elasticity and Clausius–Clapeyron factor by carbon fabric reinforcement. The elastocaloric heating and cooling effects of PCO-based shape memory polymer composites (PCO-SMPCs) were characterized and predicted using a constitutive equation of woven fabric-reinforced SMPC and their eCE was analyzed in terms of thermodynamic parameters. Good agreement between experiments and simulations was obtained, showing that 3D finite element analysis can facilitates the design of surface adaptable solid-state coolers fabricated from PCO-SMPC with good efficiency and portability properties.

Effect of MWCNTs addition, on the mechanical behaviour of FRP composites, by reinforcement grafting and matrix modification

Carbon nanotubes have extraordinary potential for the modification of reinforcements and matrices in fiber-reinforced polymer composites for enhanced mechanical properties. In this study, 12 fiber-reinforced polymer composites were produced with and without the addition of functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes using different stacking sequences of E-glass and carbon fabric reinforcements in simple and hybrid configurations. Carbon nanotubes were incorporated into the fiber-reinforced polymer components prior to composite fabrication by: (i) grafting on reinforcements, and (ii) matrix modification by carbon nanotubes. The grafting of carbon nanotubes exhibited a pronounced tensile behaviour with carbon-rich fiber-reinforced polymers, whereas carbon nanotube-modified matrix showed more enhanced flexural behaviour overall. Around 12% increase in tensile strength was observed when the carbon nanotubes were grafted on to the reinforcements compared to respective pristine composites, while around 70% increase in the flexural strength was noticed as compared to the respective pristine composties when carbon nanotube-modified matrix was used.

Bond between Carbon Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix and Masonry Substrate

AbstractThe bond between fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) and masonry substrates is investigated in this paper. An experimental investigation was performed on eighteen clay brick specim...

Mechanical performance and crack pattern analysis of aged Carbon Fabric Cementitious Matrix (CFRCM) composites

We discuss the effect of environmental exposure on mechanical performance of impregnated Carbon Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (CFRCM) composite. Following the recently published ICC-ES AC434 guidelines, mechanical performance of prismatic composite specimens is determined on the basis of tensile uni-axial tests. Exposure to saline and alkaline aqueous solutions is considered at 28- as well as 60-day curing time. Special emphasis is placed on crack pattern evaluation as a mean to gain better insight into matrix/fabric bond quality. To this aim, the evolution of the average crack spacing and of the average crack width is determined as a function of strain for all test environments and curing times. It is found that curing time plays a significant role in mitigating the detrimental effect of aggressive environments. Furthermore, the average crack spacing provides a very reliable measure of matrix/fabric bond degradation at all test stages.