Surface modification of carbon fiber/epoxy composites with randomly oriented aramid fiber felt for adhesion strength enhancement

To increase the strength of an adhesive joint whose adherend is composed of a carbon fiber/epoxy composite, the surface of the adherend is reinforced with randomly oriented aramid fiber felt before the full cure of the adherend. With this smart cure cycle, the aramid fibers are exposed from the adherend, promoting a bridging effect between the fibers and the adhesive. The cured carbon fiber/epoxy composite material, on which the aramid fiber felt is placed, is co-cure bonded with a smart cure cycle developed in this work. The improvement of the adhesive bonding strength due to the aramid fiber felt is measured with the single-lap shear test of adhesively bonded joints. Additionally, the flexural strength of the carbon fiber/epoxy composite adherend with the co-cure bonded aramid fiber felt is measured.     

Evaluation of fatigue behavior on repaired carbon fiber/epoxy composites

The continuous use of structural polymer composites in aeronautical industry has required the development of repairing techniques of damages found in different types of laminates. The most usually adopted procedure to investigate the repair of composite laminates has been by repairing damages simulated in laminated composite specimens. This work shows the influence of structural repair technique on mechanical properties of a typical carbon fiber/epoxy laminate used in aerospace industry. When analyzed by tensile test, the laminates with and without repair present tensile strength values of 670 and 892 MPa, respectively, and tensile modulus of 53.0 and 67.2 GPa, respectively. By this result, it is possible to observe a decrease of the measured mechanical properties of the repaired composites. When submitted to fatigue test, it is observed that in loads higher than 250 MPa, this laminate presents a low life cycle (lower than 400,000 cycles). The fatigue performance of both laminates is comparable, but the non-repaired laminate presented higher tensile and fatigue resistance when compared with the repaired laminate.     

芳纶纤维对炭黑/丁苯橡胶复合材料疲劳行为的影响

使用短芳纶纤维（AF）增强炭黑/丁苯橡胶（CB/SBR）复合材料,研究AF对复合材料疲劳行为的影响。在应力控制条件下,少量AF的加入使缺口试样的疲劳寿命提高了25.5倍;疲劳使试样的储能模量（G'）降低,AF的加入使疲劳后试样的Payne效应降低,G₀'/G₁₀₀'值降低10.5%;复数模量随疲劳周期增加而降低,但少量纤维能使复合材料的复数模量保持在较高的水平,30 000周疲劳下AF-CB/SBR的复数模量仍为CB/SBR的1.73倍;疲劳后AF-CB/SBR复合材料的100%和300%定伸应力随疲劳变形量的增加而先增大后降低,断裂伸长率有所下降。试样疲劳后相对于拉伸变形量,纤维的增强作用产生滞后效应,相对界面滑脱能随疲劳应变幅度的增加而降低; SEM结果显示,疲劳后橡胶基体出现一定的剥离,纤维与橡胶界面受到损伤。     

热残余应力对考虑微观孔隙碳纤维增强环氧树脂复合材料横向拉伸性能的影响

为研究由于材料固化产生的热残余应力对碳纤维增强环氧树脂复合材料横向拉伸性能预测结果的影响,发展了一种基于摄动算法的纤维和孔洞随机分布代表性体积单元（RVE）生成方法,建立更加接近真实材料微观结构的RVE模型。通过施加周期性边界条件,并赋予组分（纤维、基体和界面）材料本构关系,进而实现温度和机械荷载下模型的热残余应力和损伤失效分析。从结果中发现,材料固化过程会在纤维之间产生残余压应力,在模型孔隙周围产生沿加载方向的残余拉应力。所建立不含孔隙RVE模型的失效均是由于界面脱黏引起,材料固化在纤维之间产生的残余压应力会增加模型的预测强度。含有孔隙的RVE模型失效起始于孔隙周围的基体中,而材料固化在模型孔隙周围产生的热残余拉应力对含孔隙RVE模型预测的失效强度有降低作用。对于具有不同孔隙尺寸的RVE模型,模型的失效强度随着孔隙尺寸的增加而不断降低,但是热残余应力减弱了孔隙尺寸对模型预测结果的降低作用。对于具有不同长宽比椭圆形孔隙的RVE模型,热残余应力增加了孔隙长宽比对模型强度的降低作用。      

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.     

碳纳米管纤维/环氧树脂复合材料的界面剪切强度及微观结构

研究了碳纳米管纤维的微观结构和拉伸性能,并进一步分析了其与环氧树脂形成界面剪切强度及微观结构。采用单丝断裂试验测试了碳纳米管纤维/环氧树脂复合材料体系的界面剪切强度,结合单丝断裂过程中的偏光显微镜照片、复合材料的拉曼谱图和断口扫描电镜照片,研究了碳纳米管纤维/环氧树脂复合材料界面的微观结构。结果表明: 碳纳米管纤维/环氧树脂复合材料的界面剪切强度约为14 MPa;在碳纳米管纤维和环氧树脂形成界面的过程中,环氧树脂可以浸渍纤维,形成具有一定厚度的复合相,这种浸渍过程和界面相的形成都有利于碳纳米管纤维与基体之间的连接。     

电热作用对碳纤维/环氧树脂基复合材料吸湿行为的影响

采用复合材料电热实验机,对碳纤维/环氧树脂基复合材料(CF/EP)试样进行通电处理,同时测试其表面温度变化,并得出电阻率随温度的变化规律。对通电后的试样进行吸湿处理,获取扩散系数、饱和吸湿率与通电电流之间的关系,之后通过FTIR、弯曲性能测试以及弯曲断口的表面形貌分析研究了通电对试样吸湿行为的影响。结果表明:通电电流强度越大,CF/EP试样表面平衡温度越高,随着温度升高电阻率呈下降趋势;经4 A(ρ=66.8mA·mm~(-2))电流处理的试样,其扩散系数、饱和吸湿率均低于未处理试样,经5A(ρ=83.6mA·mm~(-2))、6A(ρ=100.2mA·mm~(-2))电流处理后,扩散系数及饱和吸湿率均高于未处理试样;小电流处理时,界面性能得到改善,提高弯曲强度,大电流处理对界面有一定损伤,降低弯曲强度,电热/湿作用下,CF/EP试样的弯曲强度下降,下降幅度与吸湿量呈正相关。     

Effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy matrix composites

A carbon fiber/epoxy unidirectional laminated composite was exposed to a humid environment and the effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical properties and failure modes was investigated. The composites were exposed to three humidity conditions, namely, 25, 55, and 95 % at a constant temperature of 25 °C. The carbon fiber–epoxy laminated composites for two different carbon fiber surface treatments were used. The results showed that the mechanical properties differ considerably for each fiber surface treatment. The application of a coupling agent enhanced the fiber-matrix adhesion and reduced dependence of the properties on humidity. The damage mechanism observed at micromechanical level was correlated to acoustic emission signals from both laminated composites. The untreated carbon fiber failure mode was attributed to fiber-matrix interfacial failure and for the silane-treated carbon fiber reinforced epoxy laminate attributed to matrix yielding followed by fiber failure with no signs of fiber-matrix interface failure for moisture contents up to 1.89 %.     

Effect of moisture absorption on the micromechanical behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy matrix composites

Carbon fiber/epoxy material in the form of a single fiber unidirectional composite was subjected to controlled humidity environments. Moisture uptake in polymer composites has significant effects on the mechanical properties of the matrix as well as on the final performance of the composite material. Diminishing of the mechanical properties of the matrix is attributed to a decrease of its glass transition temperature (T _g). The quality of the fiber–matrix interphase was assessed using the single fiber fragmentation test and the fiber-fragment length, considered as an indicator of interfacial quality. In order to measure the fiber fragment lengths and indentify failure mechanism at the interface optical observation and acoustic emission technique were used. The speed of propagation of an acoustic wave in the material was also determined. A comparison is made of interfacial shear strength values determined by acoustic emission and optical techniques. Excellent agreement between the two techniques was obtained. By means of a micromechanical model, it was possible to determine from the fragmentation lengths a measure of the interfacial shear strength between the fiber and the matrix. The role of moisture uptake swelling of the matrix on the residual stresses is considered to be important when considering the effect deterioration of interfacial shear properties. Both the contribution of the radial stresses and the mechanical component of fiber–matrix adhesion are seen to decrease rapidly for higher moisture contents in the matrix and/or interface.     

Effects of mean stress and stress concentration on fatigue behavior of short fiber reinforced polymer composites

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mean stress on fatigue behavior of two short glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites and the effect of stress concentration on fatigue behavior of an unreinforced and a short glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic. Load‐controlled fatigue tests were conducted on unnotched (smooth) specimens at R ratios of ?1, 0.1, and 0.3 in different mold flow directions or fiber orientations and at a range of temperatures between ?40 and 125 °C. Effect of mean stress on fatigue life was found to be significant at all temperatures. Several mean stress parameters including modified Goodman, Walker, and Smith–Watson–Topper were evaluated for their ability to correlate mean stress data. A general fatigue life prediction model was also used to account for the effect of mean stress, temperature, and fiber orientation. Notched fatigue tests of an unreinforced polymer and a short glass fiber thermoplastic composite were also conducted using plate type specimens with a central circular hole and with or without the presence of mean stress. Effect of stress concentration was found to be considerable, with or without mean stress and in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The commonly used Neuber's rule for metallic materials, nonlinear finite element analysis, as well as critical distance approaches were utilized for notch deformation and fatigue life analyses.     

Effect of colloidal silica on the strength and energy absorption of glass fiber/epoxy interphases

Prior research has demonstrated that fiber-sizings can be designed to yield composite materials that simultaneously possess high energy absorption and structural properties. The improved mechanical properties resulted from control of the fiber surface chemistry and nano-scale topological features within the fiber–matrix interphase. The present study further explains the role of sizing chemistry and surface roughness on composite material performance. Model and commercial glass fiber epoxy specimens were fabricated using these fiber sizing systems resulting in interphase regions with varied surface topology and chemical functionality. Micromechanical measurements were performed using the microdroplet adhesion test method to quantify the fiber–matrix interfacial properties. Improvement in energy absorption and interfacial shear strength due to the presence of the nano-scale silica were quantified. Inspection of the failure modes revealed that the existence of colloidal silica promotes crack propagation along a more tortuous path within the interphase that results in progressive failure and contributes to increased energy dissipation.     

湿热老化对玻璃纤维/环氧树脂复合材料性能的影响

为研究玻璃纤维(GF)/环氧树脂复合材料湿热老化机制, 首先, 利用称重法、动态热机械分析仪(DMA)、SEM和矢量网络介电分析仪研究了湿热老化对GF/环氧树脂608(EP608)复合材料性能的影响;然后, 分析了复合材料的吸湿率、力学性能、介电性能与老化时间的关系, 并对其老化机制进行了探讨。结果表明:随老化时间延长, GF/EP608复合材料的力学性能和介电性能均有不同程度的下降;湿热老化对GF/EP608复合材料吸湿率的影响符合Fickian扩散定律;树脂基体的塑化、水解和基体-纤维界面的破坏是造成GF/EP608复合材料力学性能和介电性能下降的主要因素。所得结论可为GF增强环氧树脂基复合材料的应用提供科学依据。      

Characterization of the aramid/epoxy interfacial properties by means of pull-out test and influence of water absorption

Single fiber pull-out tests were carried out to investigate the influence of water absorption on the interfacial properties of aramid/epoxy composite. The fiber/matrix interfacial strength was severely decreased between 4 and 7 week immersion time in deionized water at 80 °C, and thereafter showed a plateau. This change with immersion time did not correspond with that of the water gain of the pull-out specimens, because the water gain did not reflect the one in the fiber/matrix interface. As a result of the degradation of the fiber/matrix interfacial strength, the pulled-out fiber surfaces of 7, 10 and 13 week wet specimen were smooth. In situ observations of interfacial crack propagation by a video microscope and an analysis of acoustic emission (AE) signals showed that AE signals obtained during the pull-out process were classified into four types according to fracture modes. AE signals detected at final unstable crack propagation and fiber breakage had high amplitude and long duration.     

Moisture absorption behavior of sugar palm fiber reinforced epoxy composites

In engineering practice, moisture absorption test is generally used for quality control purposes and to measure the degradation of the quality for the composite materials. The objectives of this study are to investigate the value of Fickian diffusivity constant, moisture equilibrium content and correction factor for the natural fiber composites. Tests were carried out on composite plates, which was a combination of sugar palm fiber and epoxy resins and two different fiber compositions have been chosen which were 10% and 20% by weight. Pure epoxy plates have been used for the control measures. The specimens were oven dried for 60 h in an air-circulating oven operated with 108 °C before being immersed in the constant temperature water bath, which the distilled water was set at 40 °C for the moisture absorption behavior test for 33 days. From this study, plates with 20% fiber loading possessed the highest amount of moisture prior to the moisture absorption behavior test, which is 0.93%. In moisture absorption behavior test, the corrected value of Fickian diffusivity constant for the 20% fiber loading is 3.76 × 10⁻⁷ mm²/s, which is the highest among other composites. It is shown that, for composite plates that contain higher fiber composition, the moisture absorption rate is even higher.     

Augmented fatigue performance and constant life diagrams of hierarchical carbon fiber/nanofiber epoxy composites

We report the results of an extensive multi-stress ratio experimental study on the axial fatigue behavior of an all-carbon hierarchical composite laminate, in which carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are utilized alongside traditional micron-sized carbon fibers. Primary carbon fibers were arranged in matrix-dominated biax ±45° lay-ups in order to establish matrix and matrix/fiber interaction based performance. CNFs were matrix dispersed by three-roll calender milling. Results indicate that the CNF-reinforced composites collectively possess improved fatigue and static properties over their unmodified counterparts. Large mean lifetime improvements of 150–670% were observed in fully compressive, tensile and tensile dominated loadings. Enhancements are attributed to the high interface density and damage shielding effect of the CNFs within the matrix. Further improvements are believed to occur when the nanofibers arrest and redistribute small scale, slowly propagating matrix cracks at low applied stresses. These results highlight the ability of a nanometer-sized reinforcing phase to actively participate and enhance matrix properties while moving toward a cost effective alternative to current material solutions.     

Torsion fatigue behavior of unidirectional carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy composites

This paper presents results of the feasibility of carbon/epoxy composites (CFRP) as a future helicopter flexbeam material. Torsional behaviors of unidirectional CFRP and glass/epoxy composites (GFRP) with the same resin matrix were investigated. The initial torsional rigidity of CFRP was almost identical to that of GFRP. The torsional rigidities calculated using finite element analyses (FEA) agreed with the experimental results: the torsional rigidities are governed mainly by the material’s shear stiffness. Torsion fatigue tests were also conducted by controlling the angle of twist of the sinusoidal wave under a constant tensile axial load. No catastrophic failure occurred with either GFRP or CFRP, although decreased amplitudes of torque and torsional rigidities were observed according to the number of cycles. Results of X-ray CT inspections and numerical calculation by FEA revealed that degradation of a torsional rigidity is caused mainly by splitting crack propagation along the fiber direction. The torsion fatigue life of CFRP was superior to that of GFRP. Consequently, results confirmed that CFRP exhibits excellent properties as a torsional element of a helicopter flexbeam in terms of torsional rigidity and tension–torsion fatigue behaviors.     

短切芳纶纤维/聚硅氧烷-甲基丙烯酸锌复合材料的结构与性能

为提高聚硅氧烷-甲基丙烯酸锌(ZDMA)树脂材料的性能,采用短切通用型芳纶纤维与聚甲基乙烯基硅氧烷-ZDMA复合并在高温下交联固化,得到短切芳纶纤维/聚硅氧烷-ZDMA复合材料.采用SEM、FTIR、拉伸和压缩试验方法、霍普金斯压杆试验方法,表征了短切芳纶纤维/聚硅氧烷-ZDMA复合材料的结构和静态力学性能,研究了芳纶...