Epoxy Resin Composite Reinforced with Carbon Fiber and Inorganic Filler: Overview on Preparation and Properties

Among carbon fillers, carbon fiber is considered to be an ideal reinforcement for epoxy because of its outstanding electrical, mechanical, and thermal features. Several inorganic fillers such as zinc oxide, titania, and silica are also used in epoxy matrix for property enhancement. The review initially focuses the preparation methods and physical characteristics of epoxy/carbon fiber composite. Afterward, fabrication and properties of epoxy/zinc oxide/titania/silica composites are also conversed. Moreover, the effect of filler dispersion on polymer properties’ improvement is also highlighted. Epoxy/carbon fiber composites are employed more frequently and effectively in defense-related applications compared with epoxy/inorganic nanofiller composite.     

Review of Applications of Polymer/Carbon Nanotubes and Epoxy/CNT Composites

In this review, an overview of polymer and carbon nanotube composite is presented with special emphasis on their applications in technical fields. The general applications of polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposite in actuators, sensors, sporting goods, and so on have been discussed. In addition, special features of epoxy and epoxy/carbon nanotube composites were discussed in detail. Enhancement in the characteristic features of epoxy matrix with the incorporation of carbon nanotube has been observed. Consequently, the main focus of the review is on applications of epoxy/carbon nanotube composites in different fields such as aerospace, automobiles, fuel cells, radar-absorbing material, wind turbine blades, and electromagnetic interface shielding.     

Recent Developments in Epoxy/Graphite,Epoxy/Graphene,and Epoxy/Graphene Nanoplatelet Composites: A Comparative Review

Development in graphite, graphene, and graphene nanoplatelet composites with epoxy matrix is presented here. Graphite and its modified forms propose exclusive properties to composites. Graphene has developed as subject of huge scientific attention due to excellent electron transport, mechanical properties, and high surface area. When combined appropriately with epoxy, these atomically thin carbon sheets can expressively progress physical properties even at very small loading. Epoxy/graphene nanoplatelet nanocomposite with enhanced properties was also reported. We summarized and compared electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of epoxy composites derived from these three nanofillers. Potential of carbon fillers with epoxy matrix is also discussed.     

环氧树脂/碳纳米管复合材料制备及导电性能研究进展

简要介绍了环氧树脂/碳纳米管复合材料的组成以及碳纳米管在环氧树脂中的分散方法;综述了环氧树脂/碳纳米管复合材料的制备方法,包括溶液浇铸法、原位聚合法、化学改性法、混合固化剂辅助叠层法和树脂传递模塑法;总结了国内外对环氧树脂/碳纳米管复合材料导电性能的研究现状,并分析了影响其导电性能的因素,包括碳纳米管的比表面积、表面功能化和制备方法,剪切速率及固化条件等。     

Thermal and ablative properties of binary carbon nanotube and nanodiamond reinforced carbon fibre epoxy matrix composites

The thermal and ablative properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) and nanodiamond (ND) reinforced carbon fibre epoxy matrix composites were investigated by simulating shear forces and high temperatures using oxyacetylene torch apparatus. Three types of composite specimens—(i) carbon fibre epoxy matrix composite (CF/Epoxy), (ii) carbon fibre epoxy matrix composite containing 0.1 wt-% CNTs and 0.1 wt-% NDs, and (iii) carbon fibre epoxy matrix composite containing 0.2 wt-% CNTs and 0.2 wt-% NDs—were explored. The ablative response of composites was studied through pre- and post-burnt SEM analysis and further related with thermogravimetric analysis, weight loss profile and thermal conductivity measurements. The novel nanofiller composites showed marked improvement in their thermal and ablative properties. A 22% and 30% increase in thermal conductivity was observed for composites containing 0.1 wt-% CNTs/0.1 wt-% NDs and 0.2 wt-% CNTs/0.2 wt-% NDs respectively. These nanofillers also improved the thermal stability of thermosetting epoxy matrix, and an increase of 13% and 20% was recorded in the erosion rate of composites containing 0.1 wt-% CNTs/0.1 wt-% NDs and 0.2 wt-% CNTs/0.2 wt-% NDs respectively. This improvement is due to the increased char yield produced by the increase in the loading of nanofillers, i.e. CNTs and NDs. Insulation index and insulation to density performance have also been improved due to increased thermal conductivity and char yield.     

Electromagnetic Interference Shielding of Polymer/Nanodiamond,Polymer/Carbon Nanotube,and Polymer/Nanodiamond–Carbon Nanotube Nanobifiller Composite: A Review

In this review, properties and potential of carbon nanotube, nanodiamond, and nanodiamond–carbon nanotube hybrid nanobifiller have been discussed with reference to electromagnetic interference shielding materials. The nanodiamond and carbon nanotube nanofiller and nanodiamond–carbon nanotube nanobifiller have outstanding electrical, thermal, and mechanical features. Main focus of review was electromagnetic interference shielding phenomenon and its implication in polymer/nanodiamond, polymer/carbon nanotube, and polymer/nanodiamond–carbon nanotube nanobifiller composite. The epoxy/nanodiamond, epoxy/carbon nanotube, and epoxy/nanodiamond–carbon nanotube composites have been discussed with electromagnetic interference shielding shielding features. Thus, considerable enhancement in electromagnetic interference shielding shielding features was observed using higher nanodiamond, carbon nanotube, and nanodiamond–carbon nanotube loadings. Significance and future potential of these polymeric composite are specified.     

Interphase cure characterization in epoxy composites by fluorescence technique

Monitoring the reaction of an aromatic diamine cure agent with epoxy by fluorescence technique was used for cure characterization of the interphase in epoxy/glass and epoxy/carbon composites. The effect of the various surface treatments was first studied by the model interphase obtained by using a quartz plate for glass or a modified quartz plate for carbon surface. Aminosilane treated quartz cured faster and showed increased cure extent, while water aging and air oxidation showed almost no effect on the cure kinetics in comparison to the untreated quartz surface. For a model carbon surface, air oxidation showed a faster reaction only at the early stage of cure. The effects of the various surface treatments on glass or carbon fiber were also studied with the actual composites made by a thin coating of epoxy-diamine melt on glass or carbon fiber bundles. Epoxy/glass fiber composite showed a similar trend as the model interphase system. In the case of epoxy/carbon fiber composite, both air oxidation and water aging treatment showed a faster cure reaction at the early stage of cure. Furthermore, air oxidation treatment for the epoxy/carbon fiber composite showed somewhat increased cure extent. The reasons for these trends have been discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 63: 1769–1775, 1997     

Development of Biobased Epoxy Matrices for the Preparation of Green Composite Materials for Civil Engineering Applications

Epoxy matrices are successfully used for structural strengthening in civil engineering applications by means of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs). In the context of sustainable development, the aim of this study is to develop biobased epoxy matrices as an alternative to the traditional petroleum‐based epoxy matrices used in CFRPs. This study focuses on two biobased epoxy monomers: a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and a sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SPGE). These monomers are reacted with a biobased curing agent, a phenalkamine (PhA), derived from cardanol. After in‐depth characterization of the chemical structures of the three monomers, the reactivity of both systems, DGEBA‐PhA and SPGE‐PhA, is studied using differential scanning calorimetry and rheology. The properties of the networks are characterized via dynamic mechanical analysis and water uptake measurements for polymers with partial or full conversion of epoxy groups, which are obtained by crosslinking at room temperature or at high temperature, respectively. The results reveal that the two systems are good candidates for the preparation of green composite materials as they meet the requirements necessary for manufacturing composites in civil engineering applications.     

环氧树脂对PA6/EPDM-g-MAH共混体系性能的影响

将两种不同型号的环氧树脂（EP(903)、EP(619D)）分别与PA6/EPDM-MA体系进行共混,制备了PA6/EPDM-MA/EP三元共混物。通过力学测试、动态流变(DMA)、差示扫描量热法（DSC）研究了不同EP添加量和环氧当量对PA6/EPDM-MA/EP共混体系性能的影响。实验结果表明：添加EP可以提高PA6/EPDM-MA共混物的拉伸强度,缺口冲击强度,并随着EP含量的增加而增加;而PA6/EPDM-MA/EP三元共混体系的动态储能模量（G′）,复合黏度（η*）随着EP含量的增加而增大,损耗因子（tanδ）减小;结晶度比未加环氧的共混物的结晶度稍高,并且随着环氧含量增加先增加后降低。此外,添加EP(903)的共混物各种性能变化比EP(619D)快。     

Mechanical Properties of Carbon Epoxy Prepreg Insert Phenolic Resin Injection Moldings

This study focuses on the insert-injection molding process. The thermoset composite inserts in this study were carbon fiber/epoxy(CF/Epoxy) prepreg sheets. The injected molded part was glass fiber contained phenolic resin(GF/PF). The CF/Epoxy was placed in the mold cavity prior to injecting GF/PF onto the inserted injection molded CF/Epoxy specimens. The role of adhesion between the inserted part and injected resin on the mechanical properties was evaluated by 3 point bending and impact tests. In addition, the effect of prepreg orientation on the mechanical properties of the prepreg inserted-injection molding system was investigated. It was found that the prepreg with unidirectional orientation significantly improved flexural and impact strength of the inserted injection molding composites, providing better support and resistance to bending and impact loading. The main failure modes of the specimens were structural and adhesive failure.     

Alternating Multilayer Structural Epoxy Composite Coating for Corrosion Protection of Steel

Epoxy composite coatings filled with fillers have been used extensively as anticorrosion materials. In this study, an alternating multilayer structure is designed to obtain multifunctional epoxy resin composite coating based on stepwise coating method via adding graphene and α‐alumina. Their mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, dielectric and anticorrosion properties are characterized. The toughness and the thermal conductivity clearly increase, while the dielectric properties decrease approximately to zero when the filler mass fraction increases from 0.00% to 0.15%. The whole corrosion process is controlled by electrochemical reaction, and the fillers effectively block the corrosive medium, thus improving the anticorrosion performance of the composite coating.     

Perspectives of Polystyrene Composite with Fullerene,Carbon Black,Graphene, and Carbon Nanotube: A Review

The use of polystyrene-based materials has become very important due to a wide range of industrial applications. Different types of nanofillers such as fullerene, carbon black, graphite, graphene, and carbon nanotube have been used with polystyrene to attain high-performance materials. Fabrication and unique properties of composites are considered here. Use of fullerene to improve thermal stability of polystyrene/fullerene composite has been explored. Polystyrene /carbon black composite have found to improve thermal, electrical, and rheological properties. Polystyrene/graphite nanosheet composite have been used in different applications due to mechanical and electrical properties. Polystyrene/carbon nanotube composite have been studied for enhanced tribological properties.     

环氧改性有机硅树脂的应用研究

以不同环氧改性有机硅树脂作为基料树脂,研究了不同树脂对漆膜性能的影响;通过选用不同固化体系对漆膜机械性能和耐热性做了比较;同时研究了环氧改性有机硅树脂与有机硅树脂的混溶性及影响;分别研究了该树脂配制的底、中、面涂层的常规性能及复合涂层的机械性能。同时对不同固化剂的影响和不同树脂的影响做了TG和DSC分析,结果表明,环氧改性有机硅树脂耐温性能较环氧树脂有较明显的提高,基本可用于高温涂料;环氧改性有机硅树脂可与纯有机硅树脂复配,有望形成具有更高耐温性能的涂膜。并且可通过复合固化剂的选用达到更佳的耐温性能和较好的物理机械性能。     

Flexural,compression, chemical resistance,and morphology studies on granite powder‐filled epoxy and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene‐toughened epoxy matrices

Granite powder is an inexpensive material that can reduce the overall cost of a composite if used as a filler in epoxy and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)‐toughened epoxy matrices. Epoxy and ABS‐toughened epoxy resins filled with granite powder were cast into sheets. To enhance the properties of these composites, granite powder was treated with triethoxymethyl silane coupling agent. Flexural properties, compression properties, chemical resistance, and morphology of these composites were studied. The filler used varied from 0 to 60 wt %. Composites consisting of ABS‐toughened epoxy with treated granite powder were found to be superior in mechanical properties to composites with treated and untreated granite powder. Composites with 50 wt % of granite powder was found to have maximum mechanical properties in all cases. All the three composites, i.e., untreated, treated and ABS toughened composites showed good resistance toward, acids, alkalis, and solvents. Treating granite powder with silane coupling agent enhances its mechanical properties and improves the interfacial bond between granite powder and the matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 171–177, 2007     

Grafting of Amine-Functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes with Free Acid Anhydride in Carboxylic Acid Modified Epoxy

The novel approach was developed for grafting of amine-functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes with carboxylic acid, modified epoxy resin containing free acid anhydride group, which gives enhanced grafting. The amine-functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes was dispersed in benzyl alcohol by sonication at 60°C and incorporated with modified epoxy. The amine functioned Multiwall carbon nanotubes were controlled loading of carboxylic acid, modified epoxy resin-grafted with amine-functionalized multiwalll carbon nanotube polymer composites. These were characterized by FTIR, SEM. TEM and NMR analysis. The improved mechanical properties observed for low amounts of MWCNT loading due to uniform dispersion.     

碳纤维三维网络体增强环氧树脂复合材料的性能

以酚醛树脂粘结短切碳纤维(SCF)并炭化制得碳纤维三维网络增强体(CFNR),再采用真空袋成型法浸入环氧树脂(EP)制得新型EP/CFNR复合材料。通过显微镜观察CFNR和复合材料的微观结构,采用万能试验机测试力学性能,以及用电阻仪测定导电性能等方法对复合材料进行了评价。结果表明,炭化后的酚醛树脂将SCF粘结成连续的三维网络结构,EP/CFNR复合材料中SCF间有明显可见的炭质粘结点;当SCF质量分数为7.3%时,EP/CFNR复合材料较纯EP,EP/SCF复合材料的弯曲强度分别提高33%,29%,压缩强度分别提高23%,10%,同时,其体积电阻率是EP/SCF复合材料的1/45。     

环氧树脂/碳化硅复合材料的热性能及韧性

采用碳化硅作为增强剂制备了环氧树脂/碳化硅复合材料,考察了复合材料的热学及力学性能。实验结果表明,碳化硅的添加使环氧树脂的玻璃化温度提高。当碳化硅添加质量分数为3%时,复合材料的韧性与纯环氧树脂相比提高了35%。     

动态固化聚丙烯／马来酸酐接枝聚丙烯／滑石粉／环氧树脂复合材料研究

将动态硫化技术应用于热塑性树脂／填料／热固性树脂复合体系，制备了动态固化聚丙烯(PP)／马来酸酐接枝PP(PP-g-MAH)/滑石粉(Talc)／环氧树脂(EP)复合材料。研究了动态固化PP／PP-g-MAH/Talc／EP复合材料的界面作用、形态结构、力学性能以及热稳定性。实验结果表明：PP／PP-g—MAH的加入，可明显增加PP/Talc复合材料的界面作用。在动态固化PP／PP-g-MAH/Talc／EP复合材料中，PP和Talc两相界面更加模糊，动态固化EP进一步增加了PP和Talc间的界面作用。当EP的用量超过5份时，部分EP呈颗粒状分布在PP基体中。与PP／PP-g-MAH/Talc／EP和PP／PP-MAH-Talc／EP复合材料相比，动态固化PP／PP-g-MAH/Talc／EP复合材料的冲击强度、拉伸强度和弯曲模量均有明显提高。当EP用量超过5份时，复合材料的冲击强度和断裂伸长率明显降低，但拉伸强度和弯曲模量继续增加。热分析表明动态固化PP／PP-g-MAH/Talc／EP复合材料具有较高的热稳定性。     

Utilizing Vacuum Bagging Process to Prepare Carbon Fiber/CNT-Modified-epoxy Composites with Improved Mechanical Properties

In this work, the effects of carbon nanotube-modified epoxy and carbon nanotube-enriched sizing agent on the tensile properties and failure mode of unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy composites were investigated. Laminates of carbon fiber/epoxy composites at different concentrations of carbon nanotube and sizing agent were fabricated by hand layup vacuum bagging process. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was conducted to unveil the relation between the macroproperties and the composites’ microstructure. Experimental results showed that the carbon nanotube-modified epoxy/carbon fiber composite showed 20% enhancements in the Young’s modulus compared to the pristine epoxy/carbon fiber composite. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the fracture surfaces revealed that incorporating carbon nanotube into the epoxy matrix with utilizing the vacuum improves the interfacial bonding and minimizes the voids that act as crack initiators. This microstructure enhances the interfacial shear strength and load transfer between the matrix and the fabrics and consequently the tensile characteristics of the formulated composite.     

高弹性环氧树脂的合成

环氧树脂具有良好的综合力学性能、优异的粘接性,在诸多领域得到了广泛的应用。但是固化后的环氧树脂交联密度高,内应力大,因而质脆、耐疲劳性与抗冲击韧性差,而使其应用受到一定的限制。综述了合成高弹性环氧树脂的理论和方法,并探讨了高弹性环氧树脂的应用前景。