Work

Synergistic toughening in the interleaved carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites by thermoplastic resin and nanomaterials

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The nanomaterials and thermoplastic resin both can enhance the fracture toughness of epoxy matrix composite. In this paper, the nanomaterials of different dimensions (zero-dimensional nano-silica and one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) and the thermoplastic resin Polyetherketone-cardo (PEK-C) were applied to prepare the hybrid films to interleave carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composites. The influence of synergistic combination on mechanical properties was investigated. The interaction between nanomaterials and PEK-C, and the way the nanomaterials of different dimensions exert toughening effect were highlighted. The results showed that introducing nanomaterials into PEK-C film could further enhance the crack propagation resistance and compensate the decrease in bending strength and modulus with respect to the neat PEK-C film. The layered structure formed in the interlaminar region due to the phase separation between epoxy matrix and PEK-C resin contributed to the improvement of fracture toughness. The zero-dimensional nano-silica enhanced the compatibility between epoxy and PEK-C in phase structure by functional groups. The pulling-out and breakage of one-dimensional CNTs and the resultant ductile deformation of resin contributed to the toughness improvement.

Source: Polymer Testing

DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107769

Authors: Jiawei Yao, Haochen Chang, Teng Zhang, Yifan Niu

Institution: Civil Aviation University of China

Language: English

Topic: Epoxy Resin Curing Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000

Funders: National University's Basic Research Foundation of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities