Study on the mechanical properties and thermal properties of jute and banana fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

The aim of the present study is to investigate and compare the mechanical and thermal properties of raw jute and banana fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites. To improve the mechanical properties, jute fiber was hybridized with banana fiber. The jute and banana fibers were prepared with various weight ratios (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100) and then incorporated into the epoxy matrix by moulding technique to form composites. The tensile, flexural, impact, thermal and water absorption tests were carried out using hybrid composite samples. This study shows that addition of banana fiber in jute/epoxy composites of up to 50% by weight results in increasing the mechanical and thermal properties and decreasing the moisture absorption property. Morphological analysis was carried out to observe fracture behavior and fiber pull-out of the samples using scanning electron microscope.     

Role of rigid nanoparticles and CTBN rubber in the toughening of epoxies with different cross-linking densities

Experimental investigations were conducted to characterize the fracture behaviours of Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) epoxies modified with rigid nanoparticles (nanosilica or halloysite) and a reactive liquid carboxylterminated butadiene–acrylonitrile (CTBN) liquid rubber to identify toughening mechanisms and toughenability in the cured epoxies with different cross-linking densities. The epoxy was cured using three different hardeners, a heterocyclic amine (piperidine), a cycloaliphatic polyamine (Aradur 2954) and an aromatic amine [4,4′-Diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS)] to form nanocomposites with different cross-linking densities. It was found that both the hybrid particles, nanosilica with CTBN rubber and halloysite with CTBN rubber, were effective additives that clearly increased the fracture toughness of the three epoxy composites. In particular, the use of halloysite nanoparticles as additives for the epoxies showed greater potential than nanosilica to increase strength and modulus due to the reinforcing effect of the halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The epoxy systems cured with the hardeners (Aradur 2954 and DDS), which generated relatively high cross-linking densities, evidenced inferior toughenability of the hybrid particles, compared with the epoxy systems cured using the hardener (piperidine), which produced lower cross-linking densities. The CTBN rubber formed dissimilar domains in different epoxy systems, features which were attributed to the different toughenability of the hybrid particles in the systems due to variations in the dominant toughening mechanisms involved.     

Mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy composites

Untreated and acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were used to fabricate MWNT/epoxy composite samples by sonication technique. The effect of MWNT addition and their surface modification on the mechanical properties were investigated. Modified Halpin–Tasi equation was used to evaluate the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of the MWNT/epoxy composite samples by the incorporation of an orientation as well as an exponential shape factor in the equation. There was a good correlation between the experimentally obtained Young’s modulus and tensile strength values and the modified Halpin–Tsai theory. The fracture surfaces of MWNT/epoxy composite samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope.     

Interfacial evaluation and self-sensing on residual stress and microfailure of toughened carbon fiber/epoxy-amine terminated (AT)-polyetherimide (PEI) composites

Interfacial evaluation and self-sensing of tensile loading/subsequent unloading and microfailure detection of the carbon fiber/epoxy-amine terminated (AT)-polyetherimide (PEI) composites were investigated using micromechanical test and electrical resistance measurement with an aid of acoustic emission (AE). As AT-PEI content increased, both fracture toughness of epoxy-AT-PEI matrix and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) increased due to the optimized matrix modulus for energy absorption. With increasing curing temperature and time, the IFSS increased and then decreased. During curing process, the change in electrical resistance, ΔR increased gradually with adding AT-PEI contents because of different thermal and curing shrinkage of epoxy matrices. Moisture adsorption under durability test could cause to the change in matrix modulus and thus resulted in the change in electrical resistivity correspondently. Under changeable cyclic loading/subsequent unloading, apparent modulus and electrical resistivity during curing process were consistent well with the fracture toughness of epoxy modified with AT-PEI. In compressive test, the electrical resistivity decreased gradually initially and then increased rapidly during subsequent progress of microfailure including fiber fracture showing the buckling pattern.     

Effect of resin system on the mechanical properties and water absorption of kenaf fibre reinforced laminates

The objective of this study is to compare the mechanical and water absorption properties of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) fibre reinforced laminates made of three different resin systems. The use of different resin systems is considered so that potentially complex and expensive fibre treatments are avoided. The resin systems used include a polyester, a vinyl ester and an epoxy. Laminates of 15%, 22.5% and 30% fibre volume fraction were manufactured by resin transfer moulding. The laminates were tested for strength and modulus under tensile and flexural loading. Additionally, tests were carried out on laminates to determine the impact energy, impact strength and water absorption. The results revealed that properties were affected in markedly different ways by the resin system and the fibre volume fraction. Polyester laminates showed good modulus and impact properties, epoxy laminates displayed good strength values and vinyl ester laminates exhibited good water absorption characteristics. Scanning electron microscope studies show that epoxy laminates fail by fibre fracture, polyester laminates by fibre pull-out and vinyl ester laminates by a combination of the two. A comparison between kenaf and glass laminates revealed that the specific tensile and flexural moduli of both laminates are comparable at the volume fraction of 15%. However, glass laminates have much better specific properties than the kenaf laminates at high fibre volume fractions for all three resins used.     

PMMA材料断裂应力与银纹损伤研究

本文基于连续介质力学理论和最大拉应力准则,从能量的观点出发,根据能量守恒定律,提出了脆性材料的断裂应变能密度与断裂应变成线性关系,由此确定的平均应力为材料常数.并通过PMMA材料在不同应变率下的拉伸实验验证.同时通过表面银纹显微镜观察实验,研究了应变率对银纹密度的影响.     

Strain rate and temperature effects on energy absorption of polyethylene fibres and composites

The influence of strain rate and temperature on modulus, strength and work of fracture of high-performance polyethylene (HP-PE) fibres and composites is investigated. Results showed that an increase in strain rate and/or decrease in temperature leads to a reduction in work of fracture. At high strain rates or low temperatures a constant minimum level for the fracture energy is reached. The energy absorption capacity of HP-PE/epoxy laminates is investigated using full penetrating dart-impact tests and showed similar trends than observed for HP-PE fibres. The impact energy of these laminates could be described quantitatively in terms of fibre, matrix and delamination effects by combining the tensile test results on fibres and unidirectional composites with fracture toughness experiments on laminates.     

Dynamic tensile properties of carbon fiber composite based on thermoplastic epoxy resin loaded in matrix-dominant directions

The dynamic tensile properties of carbon fiber (CF) composite loaded in the matrix-dominant direction are experimentally determined. In this study, thermoplastic epoxy resin is used as a matrix of the CF composite. A dynamic tensile test is performed using a tension-type split Hopkinson bar technique. The experimental results show that there are not linear relationships between tensile strength and strain rate in case of the 10°, 30° and 45° specimens, although the tensile strength of CF composite, whose matrix is typical thermosetting epoxy resin, linearly increases with the strain rate for all fiber orientation angles. From the fracture surface observation, it is found that the ductile fracture of the matrix can be observed only when 10° off-axis specimen is tested under dynamic loading condition. It is inferred that the softening of the thermoplastic epoxy resin in the vicinity of interface area takes place with increasing strain rate.     

泡沫金属三明治结构压印-粘接复合接头剥离性能分析

为研究三明治结构压印-粘接复合接头的抗剥离性能,选取AA5052铝合金板以及泡沫镍、泡沫铜以及泡沫铁镍进行压印-粘接复合连接,对接头进行拉伸剪切试验,采用扫描电镜对失效断口进行了观察,分析了接头的失效形式、失效载荷、能量吸收值以及失效机理。结果表明:夹层的存在会使接头中胶层的失效过程更加稳定,夹层对于压印-粘接复合接头的承载能力并无显著影响,但是会降低其失效过程中的能量吸收值。     

粗骨料与钢纤维对超高性能混凝土单轴拉伸性能的影响

为了提高含粗骨料超高性能混凝土(Ultra-high performance concrete,UHPC)的单轴拉伸性能,采用单轴拉伸试验和图像分析技术分别研究了粗骨料掺量、颗粒粒径对含粗骨料UHPC单轴拉伸性能和钢纤维在UHPC体系中分散性能的影响规律。结果表明,随着粗骨料掺量及颗粒粒径的增大,钢纤维在UHPC体系中的分散系数和取向系数显著降低,含粗骨料UHPC的单轴拉伸初裂强度、裂后强度和耗能也随之减小。根据粗骨料颗粒最大粒径与钢纤维体积分数、直径间的匹配关系式(Dmax=3df/(Vf)0.5),采用纤维混杂可以充分发挥多尺度纤维与具有不同粒径分布的骨料间的分级匹配关系;粗骨料体积分数和颗粒最大粒径分别为10%和10mm时,采用平直钢纤维(直径0.12mm、长度10mm、体积掺量1.2%)和端钩钢纤维(直径0.35 mm、长度20mm、体积掺量1.8%)混杂实现了含粗骨料UHPC的单轴拉伸性能的提升,其裂后强度和耗能分别为8.69 MPa和11.10J。     

Fabrication and mechanical properties of well-dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes/epoxy composites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated by using ultrasonication and the cast molding method. In this process, MWCNTs modified by mixed acids were well dispersed and highly loaded in an epoxy matrix. The effects of MWCNTs addition and surface modification on the mechanical performances and fracture morphologies of composites were investigated. It was found that the tensile strength improved with the increase of MWCNTs addition, and when the content of MWCNTs loading reached 8 wt.%, the tensile strength reached the highest value of 69.7 MPa. In addition, the fracture strain also enhanced distinctly, implying that MWCNTs loading not only elevated the tensile strength of the epoxy matrix, but also increased the fracture toughness. Nevertheless, the elastic modulus reduced with the increase of MWCNTs loading. The reasons for the mechanical property changes are discussed.     

Dynamic observation of fracture in particulate-filled epoxy resins reinforced with rubber

Crack propagation in epoxy resins filled with alumina trihydrate has been observed by dynamic in situ scanning electron microscopy. Double torsion specimens were fractured inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM) connected to a video recorder. Characteristic features of the crack propagation process were observed. The fracture mode was mainly intergranular at low crack velocities, (ca. 10 m/s) with evidence of filler particle cracking (transgranular fracture) at higher velocities or after acid-washing the particles. Extensive shear yielding of the epoxy matrix occurred between closely spaced filler particles within the crack tip damage zone. Post-mortem static observations of the fracture surfaces were also carried out. The addition of rubber toughening agents modified the crack propagation process. In some cases the rubber was present as fine, evenly distributed particles while in others there were coarser precipitates and/or what appeared to be rubber-rich epoxy phases. Ligamentary bridges across crack faces in the crack wake necked to fracture at low crack velocities but failed by cavitation under rapid loading. Energy dissipation by local shear yielding of the matrix was still prominent. Vinyl terminated rubber addition induced especially widespread yielding. Out-of-SEM determinations of tensile and fracture parameters were consistent with dynamic SEM observations.     

Hybrid specimens eliminating stress concentrations in tensile and compressive testing of unidirectional composites

Two novel approaches are proposed for elimination of stress concentrations in tensile and compressive testing of unidirectional carbon/epoxy composites. An interlayer hybrid specimen type is proposed for tensile testing. The presented finite element study indicated that the outer continuous glass/epoxy plies suppress the stress concentrations at the grips and protect the central carbon/epoxy plies from premature failure, eliminating the need for end-tabs. The test results confirmed the benefits of the hybrid specimens by generating consistent gauge-section failures in tension. The developed hybrid four point bending specimen type and strain evaluation method were verified and applied successfully to determine the compressive failure strain of three different grade carbon/epoxy composite prepregs. Stable failure and fragmentation of the high and ultra-high modulus unidirectional carbon/epoxy plies were reported. The high strength carbon/epoxy plies exhibited catastrophic failure at a significantly higher compressive strain than normally observed.     

Tensile and fracture properties of epoxy resin filled with flyash particles

The ultimate tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and fracture properties of epoxy resin filled with flyash particles have been evaluated by the tensile test. The tensile strength of epoxy resin filled with flyash particles decreases the fracture properties and the modulus of elasticity increases with increasing percentage of flyash. It is advisable to use flyash when the void formation cannot be controlled effectively.     

液体端氨基丁腈橡胶和环氧树脂制备的密封胶及性能

利用端氨基丁腈橡胶(ATBN)和韧性环氧树脂制备了一系列高力学强度的密封胶。力学性能测试结果表明,调节固化剂和补强填料的用量,可以得到一系列拉伸强度在5.6MPa~11.2MPa,伸长率在150%~550%之间的密封胶。丁腈橡胶中丙烯腈的含量越高,密封胶的断裂伸长率也越高,拉伸强度则在增加到一定程度后,基本保持不变。动态力学分析研究显示,该密封胶体系在软硬段的作用下,存在着两相结构。该密封胶具有优良的耐高低温和耐压缩性能。     

Effect of strain rate on the fracture behaviour of epoxy–graphene nanocomposite

In this study, epoxy-based nanocomposite was fabricated by the addition of graphene nanosheet via a solution casting method. To investigate the effect of strain rate on tensile properties of epoxy, tensile tests were done on standard samples at different strain rates (0.05–1 min^?1). The role of strain rate and presence of graphene on fracture behaviour of epoxy were also studied by investigation of the fracture surfaces of some samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, Eyring’s model was performed to clarify the role of strain rate on activation volume and activation enthalpy of epoxy. The results of tensile tests showed a maximum strength of epoxy–graphene nanocomposite at the graphene wt% of 0.1%. Tensile strength of epoxy obviously improved with increasing strain rate, but tensile strength of epoxy/graphene nanocomposite sample was less sensitive. Fracture micrographs showed that the mirror zone of the fracture surface of epoxy diminished by increasing strain rate or addition of graphene; and final fracture zone also became rougher. Finally, by investigation of the activation enthalpies, it was showed that much higher enthalpy was needed to fracture the nanocomposite sample, as the activation enthalpy changed from 41.54 for neat epoxy to 67.34 kJ mol^?1 for EP–0.1% GNS sample.     

Ultimate properties of rubber and core-shell modified epoxy matrices with different chain flexibilities

Preformed polystyrene-co-butylacrylate (PScoBu) core-shell particles and polystyrene microspheres as well as amine-terminated butadiene nitrile (ATBN) rubber have been used for modification of both rigid and more flexible crosslinked DGEBA-based epoxy networks having significantly different crosslink densities. Some variations in cure kinetics have been shown by both thermal and rheological measurements. Independently of the crosslink density of the neat epoxy matrix, function of the cycloaliphatic or aliphatic hardener used, the toughening effect via core-shell modification has been found as good as that for rubber modification but with a better retention of thermal properties. Results are investigated as a function of the morphologies obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) but also by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Larger fracture toughness was obtained for every-unmodified and modified- epoxy matrices cured with the aliphatic hardener as a consequence of the lower crosslink density of the corresponding mixtures.     

Toughening of epoxy using core–shell particles

An epoxy resin, cured using an anhydride hardener, has been modified by the addition of preformed core–shell rubber (CSR) particles which were approximately 100 or 300 nm in diameter. The glass transition temperature, T _g, of the cured epoxy polymer was 145 °C. Microscopy showed that the CSR particles were well dispersed through the epoxy matrix. The Young’s modulus and tensile strength were reduced, and the glass transition temperature of the epoxy was unchanged by the addition of the CSR particles. The fracture energy increased from 77 J/m² for the unmodified epoxy to 840 J/m² for the epoxy with 15 wt% of 100-nm diameter CSR particles. The measured fracture energies were compared to those using a similar amount of carboxyl-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBN) rubber. The CTBN particles provided a larger toughening effect when compared to CSR particles, but reduced the glass transition temperature of the epoxy. For the CSR-modified epoxies, the toughening mechanisms were identified using scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces. Debonding of the cores of the CSR particles from the shells was observed, accompanied by plastic void growth of the epoxy and shell. The observed mechanisms of shear band yielding and plastic void growth were modelled using the Hsieh et al. approach (J Mater Sci 45:1193–1210). Excellent agreement between the experimental and the predicted fracture energies was found. This analysis showed that the major toughening mechanism, responsible for 80–90% of the increase in fracture energy, was the plastic void growth.     

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.     

Influence of addition of silica particles on reaction-induced phase separation and properties of epoxy/PEI blends

Polyether imides (PEI)/silica nanocomposites, prepared by sol–gel process, were used to modify the epoxy resin (ER), and the effect of silica particles on reaction-induced phase separation and mechanical properties of these systems were investigated. SEM images of the fracture surface of ER/PEI/silica composites showed an interesting morphology transformation with the increase of silica particle content. SEM–EDX results indicated that silica particles once formed in the PEI gradually migrated and concentrated in epoxy-rich region during the phase separation because of the better affinity between silica particles and epoxy resin. FTIR measurement and rheological test confirmed that the silica particles make the polymerization reaction of epoxy faster and the dynamic DSC results demonstrated that the activation energy of these systems decreased with the increase of the silica particles. Mechanical measurements approved that the introducing of PEI/silica nanocomposites into the epoxy could lead to great improvement of the impact strength and storage module.