Mechanical and thermal behavior of non-crimp glass fiber reinforced layered clay/epoxy nanocomposites

Mechanical and thermal properties of non-crimp glass fiber reinforced clay/epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. Clay/epoxy nanocomposite systems were prepared to use as the matrix material for composite laminates. X-ray diffraction results obtained from natural and modified clays indicated that intergallery spacing of the layered clay increases with surface treatment. Tensile tests indicated that clay loading has minor effect on the tensile properties. Flexural properties of laminates were improved by clay addition due to the improved interface between glass fibers and epoxy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the modified clay particles affected the glass transition temperatures (T_g) of the nanocomposites. Incorporation of surface treated clay particles increased the dynamic mechanical properties of nanocomposite laminates. It was found that the flame resistance of composites was improved significantly by clay addition into the epoxy matrix.     

Investigation of the long term effects of moisture on carbon fibre and epoxy matrix composites

The aim of this work is to investigate the long term effects of moisture on the interface between a carbon fibre and an epoxy matrix. High modulus carbon fibres were used to prepare single fibre model composites based on an epoxy resin. The samples were immersed in the seawater and demineralised water and their moisture uptake behaviour was monitored. The equilibrium moisture content and diffusion coefficients for the samples were determined. DSC has been used to analyse the moisture effects on glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the pure epoxy specimens. These results showed a reduction in the glass transition temperature (T_g) after moisture absorption. Tensile tests were also carried out for the epoxy specimens and a general decrease in the mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix was observed. Raman spectroscopy was used to observe the effects of moisture on the axial strain of the carbon fibre within the composite and stress transfer at the interface as a function of exposure time. The results show that the decrease in the mechanical and interfacial properties of the model composites under the seawater immersion is more significant than under demineralised water immersion.     

Interlaminar fracture toughness and associated fracture behaviour of bead-filled epoxy/glass fibre hybrid composites

To investigate enhancement of matrix-dominated properties (such as interlaminar fracture toughness) of a composite laminate, two different bead-filled epoxies were used as matrices for the bead-filled epoxy/glass fibre hybrid composites. The plane strain fracture toughness of two different bead-filled epoxies have been measured using compact tension specimens. Significant increases in toughness were observed. Based on these results the interlaminar fracture toughness and fracture behaviour of hybrid composites, fabricated using bead-filled epoxy matrices, have been investigated using double cantilever beam and end notch flexure specimens for Mode I and Mode II tests, respectively. The hybrid composites based on carbon bead-filled matrix shows an increase in both G _IC initiation and G _IIC values as compared to a glass fibre reinforced plastic laminate with unmodified epoxy matrix. The optimum bead volume fraction for the hybrid composite is between 15% and 20%. However, the unmodified epoxy glass-fibre composite shows a higher G _IC propagation value than that of hybrid composites, due to fibre bridging, which is less pronounced in the hybrids as the presence of the beads results in a matrix-rich interply region.     

Fibre and fibre-surface treatment effects in carbon/aluminium metal matrix composites

A systematic study of the relationship between the microstructure of the interface in C/Al composites and its dependence on variations in squeeze-casting parameters has been undertaken. This research has shown that the amount of Al₄C₃ reaction product at the interface is dependent on the surface structure of the reinforcing fibre and the surface treatment of the fibre. Additionally, the interface shear strength increases with an increase in the amount of reaction product at the interface. An increase in interface shear strength leads to a decrease in composite longitudinal strength. High-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses indicate that carbide formation is a conventional two-step process of nucleation and growth. Nucleation occurs preferentially at graphite edge planes on the carbon fibre surface, and growth is restricted along certain matrix planes and directions.     

Evaluation on the thermal and mechanical properties of HNT-toughened epoxy/carbon fibre composites

Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were effectively incorporated into epoxy resin and used for infusion of carbon fibre textiles, resulting in epoxy/halloysite nanotube/carbon fibre (EP/HNT/CF) multi-scale composites. The distribution of nanotubes in the composites was examined by SEM. The thermomechanical properties of the composites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA). A 25% enhancement was recorded for the storage modulus of EP/HNT/CF composite in the glassy state. Moreover, the T_g of the laminates increased with the addition of HNT, and the values were even higher than the T_g of their matrix. Additionally, the Izod impact strength of the composites has been improved. These results indicate a synergistic effect between HNT and carbon fibres.     

Shear strength and fracture toughness of carbon fibre/epoxy interface: effect of surface treatment

Textile-reinforced composites have become increasingly attractive as protection materials for various applications, including sports. In such applications it is crucial to maintain both strong adhesion at fibre–matrix interface and high interfacial fracture toughness, which influence mechanical performance of composites as well as their energy-absorption capacity. Surface treatment of reinforcing fibres has been widely used to achieve satisfactory fibre–matrix adhesion. However, most studies till date focused on the overall composite performance rather than on the interface properties of a single fibre/epoxy system. In this study, carbon fibres were treated by mixed acids for different durations, and resulting adhesion strength at the interface between them and epoxy resin as well as their tensile strength were measured in a microbond and microtensile tests, respectively. The interfacial fracture toughness was also analysed. The results show that after an optimum 15–30 min surface treatment, both interfacial shear strength and fracture toughness of the interface were improved alongside with an increased tensile strength of single fibre. However, a prolonged surface treatment resulted in a reduction of both fibre tensile strength and fracture toughness of the interface due to induced surface damage.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies of interfacial solvent absorption in quartz fibre-reinforced epoxy composites

A new method for the in situ study of composite fibre/matrix interface regions has been developed and applied to the study of solvent absorption mechanisms. The technique involves the selective placement of stable free radical spin probes at the interface in composite systems via covalent bonding to the fibre surface. In this case, quartz fibres were labelled with 4-aminotetramethylpiperidinyloxy via a diisocyanate coupling agent and used as uniaxial reinforcements in an epoxy matrix. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of the spin-labelled composites were obtained as a function of temperature before and after exposure to toluene. The rotational correlation times (τ_r) and corresponding activation energies were evaluated. The results were compared to those obtained for various control experiments. It was found that solvent preferentially absorbs at the fibre/resin interface as opposed to the bulk matrix. Possible interfacial solvent absorption mechanisms are discussed with respect to the EPR data.     

One-step amino-functionalization of milled carbon fibre for enhancement of thermo-physical properties of epoxy composites

Development of new chemical approaches for preparation of engineered carbon-based fillers is critical for high-performance applications. Herein, an efficient method for covalent functionalization of polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibre through azo radical addition under mild condition is demonstrated. In this way, isobutyronitrile radicals in situ produced from thermal decomposition of 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), were covalently grafted on milled carbon fibre (MCF) surface, assisted by microwave irradiation, as evidenced by FTIR, Raman, and TGA analysis. The grafted isobutyronitriles on MCF surface (n-MCF) were applied for further MCF amino-functionalization (a-MCF) via nucleophilic reaction of an amine-rich compound. Then, both pure MCF and a-MCF were incorporated into epoxy matrix; and its curing process and thermo-physical properties were investigated using DSC, rheometry, DMA, TGA, and flexural analysis. The T_g and flexural strength of epoxy/a-MCF composites, compared to epoxy/MCF, increased by ∼3.5% and ∼10.2%, resulting from good adhesion between a-MCF and epoxy matrix which confirmed by SEM observations.     

The interfacial properties of aramid/epoxy model composites

Many attempts have been made to measure, evaluate and improve the level of interfacial adhesion in aramid/epoxy composites. Different surface treatments have been developed in order to promote chemical bonding between the fibre and the matrix but it is found that most of the surface treatments developed have shown little or no improvement in the level of interfacial adhesion. The interfacial properties of a model composite are often determined by measuring the interfacial shear strength using micromechanical test methods that employ different loading configurations. However, the values of interfacial shear strength determined using different test methods are found to be dependent upon the variation of localized stress in the samples due to the different loading configurations and often give different results. Using Raman spectroscopy it is shown that the strain-dependent shift of the 1610 cm^–1 aramid Raman band can be used to determine the point-to-point variation of axial fibre strain along aramid fibres embedded in epoxy resin matrices from which the interfacial properties can be derived. The interfacial properties of aramid/epoxy model composites have been determined using Raman spectroscopy where the properties of the fibre, including different surface treatments, and the matrix have been changed systematically. The results are reviewed here and compared to those obtained using conventional micromechanical test methods. It is also demonstrated that the Raman technique can be used to characterize the interfacial properties of aramid/epoxy model composites deformed using different micromechanical test methods. In this way the interfacial properties can be determined at different loading levels enabling the progressive failure of the fibre/matrix interface to be monitored and defined accurately.     

Thermal and impact study of PP/PET fibre composites compatibilized with Glycidyl Methacrylate and Maleic Anhydride

In this paper, two grafted copolymers, Glycidyl Methacrylate grafted polypropylene (PP) (PP-g-GMA) and Maleic Anhydride grafted PP (PP-g-MA) were used in PP reinforced with short poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibre composites. Transcrystallization (TC) of PP on PET fibres was investigated using a polarized optical microscope, which revealed no TC for either of the modified composites at the fibre–matrix interface. Heat deflection temperature (HDT) results of GMA modified composites revealed more enhancement than HDT of MA modified samples. The composite strength results showed enhancement for both modified composites up to 10 wt.%, and this growth was bigger for GMA modified composites. The morphological analysis of GMA modified PP/PET composites pointed out a marked improvement of fibre dispersion and interfacial adhesion as compared to non-compatibilized PP/PET composites. The results of impact strength showed about 43% enhancement for 15 wt.% PET fibre composites. It was found that at low fibre percentages, using either of the modifiers reduces the impact strength a little in comparison to impact strength of the unmodified samples. According to linear elastic fracture mechanics LEFM, impact fracture toughness (G_c) and critical stress intensity factor (K_c) were evaluated for these composites based on the fracture energy obtained from impact tests.     

Optimum mixing ratio of epoxy for glass fiber reinforced composites with high thermal stability

The optimum condition of glass fiber/epoxy composites was investigated according to mixing ratio of two epoxy matrices. Novolac type epoxy and isocyanate modified epoxy were used as composites matrix. Based on chemical composition of mixing matrix, optimum mixing ratio of epoxy resins was obtained through FT-IR instrument. In order to investigate thermal stability and interface of epoxy resin, glass transition temperature was observed by DSC instrument, and static contact angle was measured by reflecting microscope. Change of IR peak and T_g was conformed according to different epoxy mixing ratios. After fabrication of glass fiber/epoxy composites, tensile, compression, and flexural properties were tested by UTM by room and high temperature. The composites exhibited best mechanical properties when epoxy mixing ratio was 1:1.     

The effect of surface treatment on the interfacial properties in carbon fibre/epoxy matrix composites

Carbon fibres with different degrees of surface oxidation, as well as epoxy-sized fibres, were used to prepare epoxy composites in order to compare the effects of the fibres surface chemistry on the interfacial properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water vapour adsorption measurements and contact angle examination were applied to characterize the carbon fibre surfaces. A correlation was found between the content of primary adsorption sites on the fibre surface and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the composites. Higher values of ILSS obtained for the oxidized fibres containing composites are proposed to be due to the higher concentration of carboxylic groups created on the oxidized fibres surface and to the creation of chemical bonds at the fibre/epoxy matrix interface. Enthalpy of cure, reaction peak temperature and glass transition temperature of the composites were determined by differential scanning calorimetry.     

PC/Ep单向纤维复合材料的力学性能与界面优化

利用聚碳酸酯（ＰＣ）改性环氧树脂（Ｅｐ）基体,以改善其玻璃纤维复合材料的力学性能,并通过与夹层基体的对比研究,考察了复合材料力学性能与界面作用的相互关系。研究了ＰＣ／Ｅｐ共混物基体的反应特性和冲击性能,并对不同的基体考察了单向连续玻璃纤维增强复合材料的预浸料制备工艺、复合材料成型工艺及最终材料的力学性能。结果表明,ＰＣ／Ｅｐ共混物基体在制备工艺和最终材料性能上均优于夹层基体。     

Effect of water ageing on nanoindentation response of single hemp yarn/epoxy composites

This paper aims to evaluate the influence of water ageing on nanoindentation response of the in situ components of hemp/epoxy composites. Specific samples have been tested, made of single hemp yarn composites with two different epoxy resins. Analysis of indentation points depending on their location in the yarn microstructure has been performed. Measurements showed the influence of neighbouring fibres on the reduced modulus in the confined resin. Water induces a decrease in nanoindentation properties, and maximum decrease in reduced modulus takes place in the interfacial zone, which shows the significant degradation of the fibre/matrix interface caused by water ageing. Evolutions in the indentation properties induced by water are similar for both partially bio-based and fully synthetic epoxy resin composites. All these results bring insights into the influence of water ageing of each constituent of hemp fibre reinforced composites and give interesting data for developing eco-composite materials.     

Plasma surface modification of advanced organic fibres

The interlaminar shear strength, interlaminar fracture energy, flexural strength and modulus of extended-chain polyethylene/epoxy composites are improved substantially when the fibres are pretreated in an ammonia plasma to introduce amine groups on to the fibre surface. These property changes are examined in terms of the microscopic properties of the fibre/matrix interface. Fracture surface micrographs show clean interfacial tensile and shear fracture in composites made from untreated fibres, indicative of a weak interfacial bond. In contrast, fracture surfaces of composites made from ammonia plasma-treated fibres exhibit fibre fibrillation and internal shear failure as well as matrix cracking, suggesting stronger fibre/matrix bonding, in accord with the observed increase in interlaminar fracture energy and shear strength. Failure of flexural test specimens occurs exclusively in compression, and the enhanced flexural strength and modulus of composites containing plasma-treated fibres result mainly from reduced compressive fibre buckling and debonding due to stronger interfacial bonding. Fibre treatment by ammonia plasma also causes an appreciable loss in the transverse ballistic impact properties of the composite, in accord with a higher fibre/matrix interfacial bond strength.     

Preparation and characterization of epoxy composites filled with functionalized nano-sized MCM-41 particles

Mono-dispersed nano-sized MCM-41 (M (with template)) particles were synthesized by sol–gel reaction. The effect of interface modification on the properties of epoxy composites was investigated. Modifications were carried out either by substituting silanol groups on the surface or in the mesopore channels into amine (M-NH₂), calcinating mixture template in the mesopore channels (M(without template)), or recalcinating them at higher temperature to remove silanol groups (–OH) in the mesopore channels or on the surface (CM). Transmission electron micrograph results showed that the dispersing of MCM-41 nanoparticles was not influenced by the modification, while –NH₂ group indeed modified the mesopore channels or the surface of MCM-41 particle by using IR, XRD, and N₂ adsorption–desorption. In addition, tensile tests suggested that M-NH₂ nanoparticles could simultaneously provide epoxy matrix with strengthening and toughening effects. However, due to the different interfacial structures between the fillers and the matrix, the mechanical properties of the composites filled by M-NH₂ were much better than those of composites filled by MCM-41 (without template), MCM-41 (with mixture template), and CM.     

Effect of Co60 gamma ray irradiation for carbon fibre on interfacial properties in epoxy resin composites

Abstract

In order to improve the interfacial adhesion between carbon fibre and resin matrix in composite materials, it is necessary to treat the surface of the carbon fibre. In this paper, γ-ray irradiation technique was used to modify polyacrylonitrile based carbon fibre. Laser Raman spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to investigate and analyse the structure and chemical composition near the surface of the carbon fibre. The influence of irradiation parameters on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy composite materials and the bundle tension strength of carbon fibre was studied. The interfacial adhesion behaviour of composites was characterised using torsional braid analysis. The results show that after irradiation the ILSS of the composite was increased by 20%, while the glass transition peak of the specimen, determined from torsional braid analysis, shifts towards a higher temperature compared with an unirradiated specimen. The value of the glass transition temperature T _g is increased from 416.8 to 424.3 K. After irradiation there was no apparent change in the bundle tensile strength of carbon fibre. Investigations indicate that after irradiation the decrease of microcrystal size, the increase of surface free energy of carbon fibre surface and the active chemical function group formed from unsaturated carbon atoms improve the interface adhesion between the carbon fibre and the matrix in the composites.     

Excellent flexural properties of aminimide-cured epoxy resin as a matrix for mica-dispersed polymer composites

The flexural behaviour of mica-dispersed epoxy resin composites has been examined. The flexural strength and flexural modulus have been determined as a function of the volume fraction of mica flakes (V _f) for both aminimide-cured epoxy resin matrix and a conventional epoxy resin reference matrix. On the basis of microscopic observation of fractured surfaces, the effect of improving the particle-matrix interface has been analysed using the modulus reduction factor (MRF) in a modified form. It is found that there is a steady increase in the flexural modulus with the volume fraction of mica flake for the aminimide-cured epoxy resin matrix. In contrast, the increase in flexural modulus levels off at a high content of filler for the reference samples. It is noteworthy that the intact mica flakes without surface treatment exhibit a substantial reinforcing effect on the flexural strength in the case of aminimide-cured epoxy resin composites. A further surprise is the difference among the curing agents used. The reference epoxy resins behave just like conventional matrix resins, exhibiting 30 to 40% reduction in the flexural strength when a small fraction of mica is added. These superior properties of the matrix resin for the composites are ascribed to the characteristics of aminimide-cured epoxy resins such as hardness, toughness, and excellent adhesivity.     

Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of CF/PEI and GF/PEI Composites at Elevated Temperatures

An experimental study has been conducted to assess temperature effects on mode-I and mode-II interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fibre/polyetherimide (CF/PEI) and glass fibre/polyetherimide (GF/PEI) thermoplastic composites. Mode-I double cantilever beam (DCB) and mode-II end notched flexure (ENF) tests were carried out in a temperature range from 25 to 130°C. For both composite systems, the initiation toughness, G _IC,ini and G _IIC,ini, of mode-I and mode-II interlaminar fracture decreased with an increase in temperature, while the propagation toughness, G _IC,prop and G _IIC,prop, displayed a reverse trend. Three main mechanisms were identified to contribute to the interlaminar fracture toughness, namely matrix deformation, fibre/matrix interfacial failure and fibre bridging during the delamination process. At delamination initiation, the weakened fibre/matrix interface at elevated temperatures plays an overriding role with the delamination growth initiating at the fibre/matrix interface, rather than from a blunt crack tip introduced by the insert film, leading to low values of G _IC,ini and G _IIC,ini. On the other hand, during delamination propagation, enhanced matrix deformation at elevated temperatures and fibre bridging promoted by weakened fibre/matrix interface result in greater G _IC,prop values. Meanwhile enhanced matrix toughness and ductility at elevated temperatures also increase the stability of mode-II crack growth.     

Failure micromechanisms in continuous carbon-fibre/epoxy-resin composites

This study is concerned with the influence of the strength of the fibre/matrix interface on the strength and failure process in uniaxial arrays of carbon fibres in an epoxy resin. A batch of high-strength carbon fibres has been supplied with several levels of an oxidative surface treatment to produce composites with various interface strengths. Tensile tests have been conducted on single fibres, on loose bundles and on tows impregnated with an epoxy resin. Further tests have been conducted to estimate the interface strength. A hybrid-tow test configuration has then been used to follow the sequence of failure within a single tow of the carbon fibre in a uniaxial composite. The results indicate that the fibre strength is affected only slightly by the surface treatment, the strength of impregnated tows is reduced, and their mode of failure and that of the hybrid tows is affected significantly.