Improving the interlaminar shear strength and thermal conductivity of carbon fiber/epoxy laminates by utilizing the graphene-coated carbon fiber

The poor interlaminar properties restrict the application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. In this work, a novel method for fabricating a graded interface structure is developed to improve the through-thickness thermal conductivity of CFRP composites. High-strength graphene nano-plates (GnP) and phenolic resin (PF) were selected to deposit on the surface of carbon fiber to design a novel CF/Epoxy laminates, where a simultaneous improvement of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and through-thickness thermal conductivity was observed. With addition of 1 wt % of GnP-PF in CF, 37.04% increase of the ILSS, and 16.67% enhancement of thermal conductivity compared to the original CFRP. The mechanism for improvement of both ILSS and thermal conductivity was studied by scanning electron microscopy and nano-indentation, where a better interface formed by GnP-PF has been clearly observed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47061.     

碳纤维复合材料曲梁冲击后四点弯曲强度及损伤失效模式研究

通过四点弯曲试验和落锤冲击试验,研究了复合材料层合曲梁冲击前后四点弯曲强度及其破坏模式。不仅通过超声C扫描分析了不同内径复合材料层合曲梁试件冲击后的损伤特征,而且分析了冲击损伤对层合曲梁强度及层间最大应力的影响;同时,通过数字散斑相关方法得到复合材料层合曲梁在四点弯曲载荷作用下的变形场以及失效模式。研究结果将为复合材料层合曲梁在飞行器结构中的应用提供有价值的实验依据。     

Effect of surface roughness on interlaminar peel and shear strength of CFRP/Mg laminates

In this study, grit blasting with different abrasive particle sizes was carried out on magnesium alloy sheets, then the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)/magnesium alloys laminates were prepared using a hot-press process. The surface characteristics of magnesium alloy, and the interlaminar strength of CFRP/Mg laminates were examined, in order to investigate comprehensively the effect of surface roughness on interlaminar strength of laminates under peel and shear loading conditions. The results show that the rougher surface significantly improves the peel strength of laminates, while the shear strength of laminates increases only slightly with increasing surface roughness. Hence, the rougher surface exhibits a good overall interlaminar strength under peel and shear loading when compared to the smoother surfaces.     

Effect of inter-plies on the short beam shear delamination of steel/composite hybrid laminates

Interlaminar shear test methods (ILS) were implemented to characterize the delamination behavior of asymmetric steel/carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) hybrids. To improve the delamination behavior thermoplastic inter-plies were inserted between CFRP and steel. Supported by optical strain measurement the maximum shear stress (τ_MAX), the shear stress at interfacial delamination (τ_IF) and the shear stress at large-scale CFRP ply delamination τ_D were evaluated. The significant effect of inter-plies on the adhesion was best reflected by the shear stress value at interfacial delamination. Finite element analysis of the actual shear stress distribution in an asymmetric hybrid sample without inter-ply revealed that the calculated shear strength is just slightly overestimated compared to the standardized evaluation procedure.     

Effect of hygrothermal conditioning on compressive strength after impact in carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers have been widely applied in structural parts and components in several sectors, in addition to being constantly used in environments with the presence of humidity and high temperatures, which can affect their density, hardness, and rigidity. In this work, the influence of hydrothermal conditioning on carbon fiber (CF)/epoxy composites was investigated using three types of epoxy resin and two different CF fabric reinforcements, that is, plain weave and eight harness satin (8HS) arrangements. The CF/epoxy composites were subjected to compression after impact (CAI) test by 28 and 40 J energy and then exposed to hydrothermal conditioning for 8 weeks. After the CAI tests, the visual analysis of all composites presented microbuckling mechanisms. The composites tested with 40 J energy absorbed only 2% more moisture compared with the other composites, nonimpacted, and tested with 28 J, indicating that the impact damage did not cause delamination between the layers of the composites, which could facilitate the absorption of water. All composites analyzed showed resistance to CAI even after exposure to humidity, with decreases ranging from 2.8% to 23.8% about the unconditioned specimens. The decrease in CAI also shows the influence of the type of epoxy matrix and the arrangement of the CF in fabrics.     

Enhanced interlaminar shear and impact performance of woven carbon/epoxy composites interleaved with needle punched high performance polyethylene fiber nonwoven

In this study, high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) fiber-based needle punched nonwovens were interleaved in cross-plied woven carbon fabric/epoxy composite laminates to enhance their interlaminar and impact properties. The placement of needle punched nonwoven interleaves exhibited considerable enhancement in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), impact damage tolerance, and compression after impact (CAI) strength of laminates as evidenced by higher interlaminar strength, less absorbed energy, higher elastic energy, reduced damage degree, reduced out-of-plane deformation, higher load-bearing capacity, and higher residual compressive strength as compared to control sample. In particular, the composite laminate with placement of interleaves in alternating sequence between carbon plies resulted in 205.76% increase in ILSS and 129, 103 and 85% increase in CAI at 10, 25, and 40 J impact energy, respectively. Moreover, damaged surface area and out-of-plane deformation reduced to 38.75% and 62.5%, respectively for the same specimen impacted at 40 J energy. These results suggest that the HPPE fiber-based needle punched nonwoven interleaving can be adopted as a simple and low-cost approach compared with other interleaving techniques, to enhance the resistance to delamination, impact performance, and damage tolerance of traditional structural laminates.     

Effects of low-energy impact and thermal cycling loadings on fatigue behavior of the quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy composites

Effects of low-energy impact loading and thermal cycling on fatigue behavior of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (carbon/epoxy) laminates are examined. A low-energy of 0.62 Joules was adopted to impact carbon/epoxy laminates prior to thermal cycling exposure and fatigue test. The temperature ranged between 60 and −60 °C for thermal cycling and the stress ratio of 0.1 with a frequency of 3 Hz for fatigue loading were used. Impact performances were tested on the virgin specimens and the thermal-cycling exposure specimens. Residual tensile strength and fatigue tests were performed on the laminate composites after being subjected to thermal cycling. The relationship between tensile strength reduction and fatigue performance after thermal cycling was investigated. Stiffness degradation during fatigue testing was monitored; the differences in stiffness for these three composites (virgin specimens, low-energy impacted specimens, low-energy impacted and thermal-cycling exposure specimens) were compared and the coupling effects of low-energy impact and thermal fatigue were studied. Furthermore, the S-N curves were also plotted and the variation was compared on the aforementioned three composites. SEM was used to examine the difference in fracture morphologies on the composites with and without suffering low-energy impact and thermal fatigue.     

Effect of interlaminar toughness on the low‐velocity impact damage in composite laminates

Based on the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) and the cohesive zone model (CZM), a numerical analysis method for the evaluation of damage in composite laminates under low‐velocity impact is proposed. The intraply damage including matrix crack and fiber fracture is represented by the CDM which takes into account the progressive failure behavior in the ply, using the damage variable to describe the intraply damage state. The delamination is characterized by a special contact law including the CZM which takes into account the normal crack and the tangential slip. The effect of the interlaminar toughness on the impact damage is investigated, which is as yet seldom discussed in detail. The results reveal that as the interlaminar fracture toughness enhances, the delamination area and the dissipated energy caused by delamination decrease. The contribution of normal crack and tangential slip to delamination is evaluated numerically, and the later one is the dominant delamination type during the impact process. Meanwhile, the numerical prediction has a good agreement with the experimental results. The study is helpful for the optimal design and application of composite laminates, especially for the design of interlaminar toughness according to certain requirements. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1085–1092, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

穿透裂纹对层合板拉伸性能的影响

对含3种不同方向穿透裂纹的层合板进行了拉伸试验研究,通过观测试验过程与断口分析,研究了含穿透裂纹层合板的失效行为。在此基础上,采用ABAQUS软件建立了含穿透裂纹层合板渐进损伤有限元分析模型,对其拉伸性能进行了分析,并对初始损伤与裂纹扩展路径进行了研究,讨论了裂纹形式对复合材料层合板剩余拉伸强度的影响。结果表明,初始损伤发生在裂纹尖端,损伤有沿垂直于载荷方向扩展的趋势。裂纹方向的变化对层合板的剩余强度有明显影响。     

The effects of graphene oxide addition on low velocity impact performance of aramid fiber reinforced epoxy composites

In this study, the impact of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles into the matrix of aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) composites was investigated. The GO nanoparticles were dispersed in the AFRP matrix at three different weight percentages: 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%. The fabrication of the GO dispersed AFRP nanocomposites was achieved using the vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) method, and the AFRP plates were cut using a water jet. The sectioned specimens of the fabricated nanocomposites were subjected to low velocity impact tests. The effects of introducing GO nanoparticles at different percentages were evaluated by analyzing the contact force, deflection, maximum absorbed energy versus time and contact force versus deflection curves. Finally, the key parameters of low velocity impact, including contact force, deflection, and maximum absorbed energy, were compared for the different fabricated AFRP nanocomposites. Based on the results, the AFRP composite with 0.3 wt.% of GO nanoparticles exhibited the best performance under low velocity impact loading conditions. However, the agglomeration of nanoparticles became a significant challenge when higher percentages of GO nanoparticles were added to the composite structure. The findings highlight the importance of determining the optimal percentage of nano materials for incorporation into composite structures.     

Effect of BN or B4C content on physical and tribological properties of copper-clad laminates reinforced with carbon fiber and epoxy resin

Plasma treatment was used to improve the surface roughness of copper foil. The copper-clad laminates reinforced with carbon fiber, boron nitride (BN), or boron carbide (B₄C), and epoxy resin were prepared by hot pressing. The effect of BN or B₄C content on the physical properties and tribological properties of copper-clad laminates reinforced with carbon fiber and epoxy resin were studied. The resulting copper-clad laminate exhibited desirable properties, such as dielectric constant, peel strength, oxygen index, and arc resistance, which were influenced by the concentration of BN or B₄C particles. Additionally, the wear and friction properties of the laminate were evaluated, revealing the effects of load, sliding speed, and particle content on weight loss, specific wear rate, and coefficient of friction. SEM analysis of worn surfaces provided insight into the stages of wear, highlighting the importance of an oxide layer in reducing wear and protecting the copper surface.     

Effect of graphene oxide on the interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were introduced in the interlaminar region of carbon fiber–epoxy composites by dispersing it in a thermoplastic polymer carrier such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Mode‐I fracture toughness (G_IC) was investigated using double cantilever beam testing to evaluate the effect of the GO on the delamination behavior of the composite. The GO content was varied from 0% to 7% by weight as a function of the PVP content. Improvement of ～100% in the Mode I fracture toughness (G_IC) was observed compared to composites with no GO. The optimum amount of nanoparticles for improving the interlaminar fracture toughness was found to be ～0.007% by weight of the composite. The increase in the value of flexural strength value was also observed. Scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, and reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra, as well as Raman spectroscopy results, are presented to support the conclusions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1199–1208 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

提高聚丙烯冲击强度的改性研究

为提高聚丙烯的冲击强度,采用在其中加入利用钛酸酯偶联剂经过表面活化的无机刚性粒子-硅灰石的办法,对添加不同含量的硅灰石所产生的力学性能的改变进行了测试。以测试结果为基点,利用电子显微镜观察了硅灰石/聚丙烯复合材料脆断面的结构情况,分析了两相界面的相容性、聚丙烯结晶行为的改变等对聚丙烯力学性能改性的影响,同时讨论了关于作用能量吸收的部分原因。从而实现了聚丙烯在某些应用需求方面的改性目的,给出了提高聚丙烯冲击强度的一个有效方法。     

Determining the interlaminar tensile strength of a SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composite through diametrical compression testing

Interlaminar tensile strength (ILTS) of a SiC_f/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) was determined through use of a diametrical compression test of disk geometries, with two geometries are investigated (Φ4.5 and Φ9 mm). Results are correlated with the fracture surface architecture, specifically relating to fibre tows. Due to the stochastic nature of ceramic material systems a Weibull distribution was implemented to understand the characteristic strength and distribution of the data sets for both disk geometries. Overall, a decrease in characteristic ILTS coupled with a narrowed distribution is observed for the Φ9 mm compared the Φ4.5 mm disk geometries due to the repeating unit cell size of the SiC_f/SiC CMC under investigation.     

Environmental effects on the strength and impact damage resistance of alumina based oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites

In this study the effects of high temperature and moisture on the impact damage resistance and mechanical strength of Nextel 610/alumina silicate ceramic matrix composites were experimentally evaluated. Composite laminates were exposed to either a 1050°C isothermal furnace-based environment for 30 consecutive days at 6 h a day, or 95% relative humidity environment for 13 consecutive days at 67°C. Low velocity impact, tensile and short beam strength tests were performed on both ambient and environmentally conditioned laminates and damage was characterized using a combination of non-destructive and destructive techniques. High temperature and humidity environmental exposure adversely affected the impact resistance of the composite laminates. For all the environments, planar internal damage area was greater than the back side dent area, which in turn was greater than the impactor side dent area. Evidence of environmental embrittlement through a stiffer tensile response was noted for the high temperature exposed laminates while the short beam strength tests showed greater propensity for interlaminar shear failure in the moisture exposed laminates. Destructive evaluations exposed larger, more pronounced delaminations in the environmentally conditioned laminates in comparison to the ambient ones. External damage metrics of the impactor side dent depth and area directly influenced the post-impact tensile strength of the laminates while no such trend between internal damage area and residual strength could be ascertained.     

Effect of adhesive type and composite viscosity on the dentin bond strength

Objectives: Evaluate the influence of composite resins viscosity and type of cure of the adhesive systems on the bond strength of composite resins submitted to artificial aging.

Methods: Dentin specimens (n = 240) were divided into 2 groups: Group GC: GrandioSO, and Group GF: GrandioSO Heavy Flow. These groups were subdivided into 6: FM: Futurabond M – light cured, FDCC: Futurabond Dual Cure – chemical cured, FDCL: Futurabond Dual Cure – light cured, CS3: Clearfil S3 – light cured, CDCC: Clearfil Dual Cure – chemical cured, and CDCL: Clearfil Dual Cure – light cured. Resin blocks were build up on the dentin surface. Half of samples on each group were cut to obtain resin/dentin sticks (1 × 1 mm). The other half was first submitted to thermomechanical aging. The dentin/resin sticks were submitted to microtensile bond strength test and the results were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 5%).

Results: ANOVA showed significant influence for adhesive (p = 0.0000) and aging (p = 0.0001). No significant influence of the composite viscosity on bond strength was observed (ANOVA: p = 0.0861). For adhesive, the results of Tukey’s test (MPa) were CDCC: 13.44 (±5.13)a; FM: 14,01 (±2.71)a; CDCL: 14.51 (±4.98)a; FDCC: 18.66 (±7.13)b; CS3: 18.80 (±6.50)b; FDCL: 19.18 (±7.39)b. For aging: AGED: 14.99 (±6.32)a; NOT AGED: 17.87 (±5.97)b.

Conclusion: Composite resin viscosities did not influence on the bond strength. Type of cure of the adhesives had influence on the bond strength. Thermomechanical aging decreased the bond strength.     

Influence of the temperature of cure on the mechanical properties of ATBN/epoxy blends

Mechanical properties (inpact strength, K_IC, elastic modulus, hardness and loss factor) of ATBN/DGEBA blends of various compositions, cured at different temperatures, have been investigated. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous materials, with different properties, have been obtained. ATBN has been shown to be ineffective if a massive phase separation does not occur. Maximum toughness, measured by K_IC, is obtained in the 120°–140°C cure temperature range. SEM micrographs of impacted specimens show that the moving cracks go through the segregated particles and suggest they lack ductility. The improvement in fracture resistance also depends on modifications of matrix properties.     

Effect of the interfacial area measurement parameters on the push-out strength between fiber post and dentin

PurposeTo verify the influence of different instruments and operators on the bonding interfacial area and on the push-out bond strength values.Material and methodsFifteen anterior human teeth (n=15) were selected, cleaned and standardized to 15 mm length. Root canals were prepared in 12 mm and the fiber posts were cemented using the RelyX U-100 cement. Three slices were obtained per tooth (N=45) and submitted to the push-out bond strength test. The bonding interfacial area (mm²) of each specimen was calculated based on the disc slice dimensions: coronal and apical diameter and height. The bonding area of each specimen was used to calculate the bond strength (Mpa). The dimensions were analyzed by different operators, using two instruments: G1 – Operator A with a digital caliper; G2 – Operator A with a stereomicroscope; G3 – Operator B with a digital caliper; G4 – Operator B with a digital stereomicroscope; G5 – Operator C with a digital caliper; G6 – Operator C with a stereomicroscope. The mean area was submitted to inter-operator and intra-operator analyses, while the mean area and mean of bond strength were submitted to the 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures and the Tukey test (α=0.05).ResultsThe inter-operator kappa was 0.83 to the digital caliper and 0.91 to the stereomicroscope, while the intra-operator kappa was 0.76. The operator and the measurement instrument influenced the interfacial bonding area (p=0.000 and p=0.001) and the push-out bond strength values (p=0.000 and p=0.000, respectively) of the disc slices.ConclusionThe final push-out bond strength values are influenced by the measuring instrument and by the measurer operator.