The compressive responses of glass fiber composite pyramidal truss cores sandwich panel at different temperatures

A new method for fabricating glass fiber composite sandwich panel with pyramidal truss cores was developed based on the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding technology. The microstructure and organizations of fabricated sandwich panels were examined by the scanning electron microscope. The out-of-plane compressive tests of composite sandwich panels were performed throughout the temperature range from −60 °C to 125 °C. Then the effects of temperature on the compressive strength, compressive modulus and failure mechanism were investigated and analyzed. Our results indicated that cryogenic temperature resulted in the increasing of the compressive modulus and strength, while high temperature caused the degradation of the compressive modulus and strength. The effect of temperature on failure mode of composite sandwich panel was also observed. Analytical expressions were presented to predict the compressive modulus and strength of composite sandwich panels at different temperatures.     

Effects of thermal exposure on mechanical behavior of carbon fiber composite pyramidal truss core sandwich panel

An experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of high temperature exposure on mechanical properties of carbon fiber composite sandwich panel with pyramidal truss core. For this purpose, sandwich panels were exposed to different temperatures for different times. Then sandwich panels were tested under out-of-plane compression till failure after thermal exposure. Our results indicated that both the thermal exposure temperature and time were the important factors affecting the failure of sandwich panels. Severe reductions in residual compressive modulus and strength were observed when sandwich panels were exposed to 300 °C for 6 h. The effect of high temperature exposure on failure mode of sandwich panel was revealed as well. Delamination and low fiber to matrix adhesion caused by the degradation of the matrix properties were found for the specimens exposed to 300 °C. The modulus and strength of sandwich panels at different thermal exposure temperatures and times were predicted with proposed method and compared with measured results. Experimental results showed that the predicted values were close to experimental values.     

Tensile and thermomechanical properties of short carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 composites

In this study, carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites were prepared by using melt mixing method. Effects of fiber length and content, on the mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of CF reinforced PA6 composites were investigated. Fiber length distributions of composites were also determined by using an image analyzing program. It was seen that the maximum number of fibers were observed in the range of 0–50 μm. Mechanical test results showed that, increasing CF content increased the tensile strength, modulus and hardness values but decreased strain at break values of composites. DSC results showed that T_g and T_m values of composites were not changed significantly with increasing CF content and length. However, heat of fusion and the relative degree of crystallinity values of composites decreased with ascending CF content. DMA results revealed that storage modulus and loss modulus values of composites increased with increasing CF content.     

A novel process to improve yield and mechanical performance of bamboo fiber reinforced composite via mechanical treatments

The aims of the present study are to produce bamboo fiber reinforced composite (BFRC) with high yield and to investigate the mechanical properties of BFRC comparing with those of commercial bamboo scrimber (BS) and laminated bamboo lumber (LBL). A novel process was developed for production of BFRC using oriented bamboo fiber mat (OBFM) made by a pilot machine. The yield and the mechanical properties of BFRC were investigated and analyzed in comparing with those of raw bamboo and other bamboo-based composites. The results show that the novel process produces 92.54% yield of OBFM due to without any chemical and special removing of inner and outer layer of bamboo during processing. In addition, all the mechanical properties and the variability of BFRC were significantly enhanced comparing with those of raw bamboo and other bamboo-based composites.     

Fully biodegradable natural fiber composites from renewable resources: All-plant fiber composites

Wood flour can be converted into thermoplastics through proper benzylation treatment, which introduces large benzyl group onto cellulose and partially deteriorates the ordered structure of the crystalline regions. By changing a series of parameters, like reaction temperature, concentration of aqueous caustic solution, species of phase transfer catalyst, etc., the extent of benzyl substitution is regulated within a wide range so that a balanced thermal formability and mechanical performance of the modified wood flour is obtained. By using the properly plasticized China fir sawdust as the matrix, both discontinuous and continuous sisal fibers are compounded to produce composites from renewable resources, respectively. These all-plant fiber composites are characterized by moderate mechanical properties and full biodegradability, and might act as alternative to petro-based materials in terms of structural applications.     

Assessment of three oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites: Mechanical performance and effects of heat treatments

Mechanical performance of three oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) based on Nextel 610 fibers and SiOC, alumina, and mullite/SiOC matrices respectively, is evaluated herein. Tensile strength and stiffness of all materials decreased at 1000 °C and 1200 °C, probably because of degradation of fiber properties beyond 1000 °C. Microstructural changes in the composites during exposure at 1000 °C and 1200 °C for 50 h reduce their flexural strength, fracture toughness and work of fracture. A literature review regarding mechanical properties of several oxide/oxide CMCs revealed lower influence of fiber properties on composite strength compared with elastic modulus. The tested composites exhibit comparable stiffness and strength but higher fracture toughness compared with average values determined from a literature review. Considering CMCs with different compositions, we observed an interesting linear trend between strength and fracture toughness. The validity of the linear relationship between fracture strength and flexural toughness for CMCs is discussed.     

A novel carbon fiber reinforced lattice truss sandwich cylinder: Fabrication and experiments

To get a strong, stiff and weight efficient cylindrical shell, a novel carbon fiber reinforced corrugated lattice truss-core sandwich cylinder (LTSC) was designed and fabricated. The core is made up of orthogonal corrugated trusses and manufactured by mould pressing method. The LTSC is fabricated by filament winding and co-curing method. The face sheets have layups of [0°/30°/−30°/−30°/30°/0°] to improve the fundamental frequency as it is controlled by the circumferential stiffness. In end-free vibration the fundamental frequency of the LTSC is 112.18 Hz, higher than the referenced quasi-isotropic Isogrid-core sandwich cylinder. Determined by the skin fracture, the compression strength of the LTSC is 328.03 kN, stronger than the referenced Isogrid-core sandwich cylinder failed at rib buckling and the post-failure deformation is ductile. According to the optimization scheme jointly constrained by the strength and the fundamental frequency, an ultra-light and strong cylinder with high fundamental frequency was successfully fabricated.     

Synthesis and characterization of boron-oxygen-hydrogen thin films at low temperatures

We have studied the influence of synthesis temperature on chemical composition and mechanical properties of X-ray amorphous boron-oxygen-hydrogen (B-O-H) films. These B-O-H films have been synthesized by RF sputtering of a B-target in an Ar atmosphere. Upon increasing the synthesis temperature from room temperature to 550 °C, the O/B and H/B ratios decrease from 0.73 to 0.15 and 0.28 to 0.07, respectively, as determined by elastic recoil detection analysis. It is reasonable to assume that potential sources of O and H are residual gas and laboratory atmosphere. The elastic modulus, as measured by nanoindentation, increases from 93 to 214 GPa, as the O/B and H/B ratios decreases within the range probed. Hence, we have shown that the effect of impurity incorporation on the elastic properties is extensive and that the magnitude of the incorporation is a strong function of the substrate temperature.     

Tensile and compressive properties of chopped carbon fiber tapes reinforced thermoplastics with different fiber lengths and molding pressures

Tensile and compressive behaviors of chopped carbon fiber tapes reinforced thermoplastics have been investigated by varying compression molding conditions (to study the effect of the molding pressure) and the tape length (to analyze the fiber length effect on the mechanical properties of produced composites). Fractographic analysis of prepared specimens conducted after the experiments indicated that the obtained modulus values were almost independent of both the tape length and molding pressure, while the measured strengths exhibited high molding pressure sensitivity. Interlaminar shear strength was considered to be the dominate factor in damage determination during tensile testing, while interlaminar tensile strength played the main role in compression fracture. Increase in the tape length led to a slight increase in the strength magnitude, but also a significant increase in the standard deviation of strength due to the decrease in structural regularity.     

Compression and bending performances of carbon fiber reinforced lattice-core sandwich composites

To restrict debonding, carbon fiber reinforced lattice-core sandwich composites with compliant skins were designed and manufactured. Compression behaviors of the lattice composites and sandwich columns with different skin thicknesses were tested. Bending performances of the sandwich panels were explored by three-point bending experiments. Two typical failure mechanisms of the lattice-core sandwich structures, delaminating and local buckling were revealed by the experiments. Failure criteria were suggested and gave consistent analytical predictions. For panels with stiff skins, delamination is the dominant failure style. Cell dimensions, fracture toughness of the adhesives and the strength of the sandwich skin decide the critical load capacity of the lattice-core sandwich structure. The mono-cell buckling and the succeeding local buckling are dominant for the sandwich structures with more compliant skin sheets. Debonding is restricted within one cell in bending and two cells in compression for lattice-core sandwich panels with compliant face sheets and softer lattice cores.     

Tensile and flexural properties of snake grass natural fiber reinforced isophthallic polyester composites

Natural fiber composite materials are one such capable material which replaces the conventional and synthetic materials for the practical applications where we require less weight and energy conservation. The present paper, which emphasis the importance of the newly identified snake grass fibers which are extracted from snake grass plants by manual process. In this paper, the tensile properties of the snake grass fiber are studied and compared with the traditionally available other natural fibers. The mixed chopped snake grass fiber reinforced composite is prepared by using the isophthallic polyester resin and the detailed preparation methodology is presented. Fiber pull-outs on the fractured specimen during the physical testing of the composites are also investigated. The experimental evidence also shows that the volume fraction increases the tensile, flexural strength and modulus of the snake grass fiber reinforce composite.     

Tensile properties and damage behaviors of Csf/Mg composite at elevated temperature and containing a small fraction of liquid

The mechanical properties of magnesium matrix composites reinforced by pyrolytic carbon coated short carbon fiber at temperatures close to and above the solidus temperature were investigated by tensile tests for the first time. Microstructural observations and fractographic analysis were carried out in order to reveal the damage mechanisms of the composites with different fraction of liquid. Tensile strength of the composites decreased monotonously with temperature, an exponential equation relating the tensile strength to temperature and liquid fraction was derived. The elongation increases monotonously with temperatures from 400 °C to 428 °C (solidus temperature), and then decreases gradually with increasing fraction of liquid except a trough at 432 °C. The composites almost have no ductility and cannot sustain tensile stress when the fraction of liquid reaches 8%. The amount and distribution of liquid phase in the composites directly determines their mechanical properties and damage behavior.     

Improvement on the tensile performance of buckypaper using a novel dispersant and functionalized carbon nanotubes

High tensile performance buckypapers (BPs) were prepared by commercially functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with the aid of a novel dispersant, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The tensile strength and modulus of PVP–BP are 227% and 295% higher than those of Triton X-100-BP, due to strong interactions between MWCNT and PVP. However, superabundant PVP is unfavorable for mechanical property improvement. Functionalized BPs have enhanced tensile properties and denser nanotube skeletons than the pristine one. It demonstrates that the specific tensile strengths of BPs steadily increase with the activated carbon content of functionalized MWCNTs, whereas the specific tensile moduli are closely related to the curling degree of MWCNTs.     

Performances at high temperature of RC bridge decks strengthened with EBR-FRP

Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) can be successfully used to externally strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) bridges where fire is not a primary concern. Nevertheless, common maintenance activity on a bridge deck, such as the laying of bituminous paving, can easily lead the FRP to temperatures higher than the glass transition temperature, T_g. Exceeding T_g does not necessarily imply a drastic reduction in strength and stiffness of the reinforcement. Nevertheless, the softening of the resin implies a drastic reduction in its adhesion properties. Therefore, the efficiency of the strengthening system for existing structures, which mainly depends on the effectiveness of the bond between FRP and concrete, is significantly affected by temperature.The relationships suggested by Italian and American codes in order to evaluate the limit strain for FRP debonding at normal temperature are modified to take into account the effect of high temperature. Then, performances at high temperature of RC bridge decks strengthened with externally bonded FRP plates (EBR) are investigated by considering thermal fields in the structural members which are different from the normal ones. Both fire and the laying of bituminous paving on the decks are considered. In addition, the thicknesses of the slabs and the protective layer are varied to assess their influence on the thermal field in the slabs. The results are discussed with reference to both ultimate and serviceability limit states.     

Fatigue response of APC-2 composite laminates at elevated temperatures

The response of thermoplastic AS-4/PEEK composite laminates of two lay-ups, such as cross-ply and quasi-isotropy, subjected to tension–tension (T–T) fatigue loading at elevated temperatures was investigated. It is found that the ultimate strength of cross-ply laminate is higher than that of quasi-isotropic laminate at various temperatures, so does the fatigue strength. However, the slope of normalized stress vs. cycles curves in the quasi-isotropic laminates is higher than that of the cross-ply laminates at elevated temperatures. Finally, the simple semi-empirical predictive models in statistical analysis and multiple regressions are proposed and provided for design and application purposes.     

Effect of glass fiber hybridization on properties of sisal fiber–polypropylene composites

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites became more attractive due to their light weight, high specific strength, and environmental concern. However, some limitations such as low modulus, poor moisture resistance were reported. This study aimed to investigate the effect of glass fiber hybridization on the physical properties of sisal–polypropylene composites. Polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) was used as a compatibilizer to enhance the compatibility between the fibers and polypropylene. Incorporating glass fiber into the sisal–polypropylene composites enhanced tensile, flexural, and impact strength without having significant effect on tensile and flexural moduli. In addition, adding glass fiber improved thermal properties and water resistance of the composites.     

Mechanical characterization of hierarchical carbon fiber/nanofiber composite laminates

Susceptibility to matrix driven failure is one of the major weaknesses of continuous-fiber composites. In this study, helical-ribbon carbon nanofibers (CNF) were dispersed in the matrix phase of a continuous carbon fiber-reinforced composite. Along with an unreinforced control, the resulting hierarchical composites were tested to failure in several modes of quasi-static testing designed to assess matrix-dominated mechanical properties and fracture characteristics. Results indicated CNF addition offered simultaneous increases in tensile stiffness, strength and toughness while also enhancing both compressive and flexural strengths. Short-beam strength testing resulted in no apparent improvement while the fracture energy required for the onset of mode I interlaminar delamination was enhanced by 35%. Extrinsic toughening mechanisms, e.g., intralaminar fiber bridging and trans-ply cracking, significantly affected steady-state crack propagation values. Scanning electron microscopy of delaminated fracture surfaces revealed improved primary fiber–matrix adhesion and indications of CNF-induced matrix toughening.     

Enhanced mechanical properties of multiscale carbon fiber/epoxy composites by fiber surface treatment with graphene oxide/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane

Graphene oxide (GO) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) grafted carbon fiber (CF) was demonstrated to reinforce the mechanical properties of fiber composites. Such a fiber composite was prepared by grafting POSS onto the CF surface using GO as the linkage. The presence of GO linkage and POSS could significantly enhance both the area and wettability of fiber surface, leading to an increase in the interfacial strength between fibers and resin. Compared with the desized CF composites, the grafted CF composites fabricated by compression molding method exhibited 53.05% enhancement in the interlaminar shear strength. The changed surface morphology, surface composition and surface energy were supposed to be related with the interfacial performance of unidirectional composites, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope, dynamic contact angle test and X-ray photoelectron microscopy charaterizations.     

Superior mechanical and electrical properties of multiwall carbon nanotube reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene high performance composites

In-house synthesized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been dispersed in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using a micro twin-screw extruder with back flow channel. The electrical and mechanical properties of MWCNTs in ABS with different wt% have been studied. Incorporation of only 3 wt. % MWCNTs in ABS leads to significant enhancement in the tensile strength (up to 69.4 MPa) which was equivalent to 29% increase over pure ABS. The effect of MWCNTs on the structural behaviour of ABS under tensile loading showed a ductile to brittle transition with increase concentration of MWCNTs. The results of enhanced mechanical properties were well supported by micro Raman spectroscopic and scanning electron microscopic studies. In addition to the mechanical properties, electrical conductivity of these composites increased from 10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁵ Scm⁻¹ showing an improvement of ∼7 orders of magnitude. Due to significant improvement in the electrical conductivity, EMI shielding effectiveness of the composites is achieved up to −39 dB for 10 wt. % loaded MWCNTs/ABS indicating the usefulness of this material for EMI shielding in the Ku-band. The mechanism of improvement in EMI shielding effectiveness is discussed by resolving their contribution in absorption and reflection loss. This material can be used as high-strength EMI shielding material.     

Multi-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced silicon carbide fibers prepared by polymer-derived ceramic route

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT)-reinforced silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic fibers were successfully prepared by blending MWNTs (0-0.5 wt.%) with polycarbosilane, followed by melt spinning, curing, and pyrolysis. The MWNTs used in this study were modified with a chemical treatment. It was found that the MWNTs were well-dispersed in the matrix and aligned with the axis of the fibers after ultrasonic dispersion combined with melt spinning. Mechanical measurements revealed that significant improvement in Young’s modulus and tensile strength was achieved by incorporating MWNTs into the ceramic fibers. The addition of 0.5 wt.% MWNTs led to a 93.6% increase in the Young’s modulus and a 38.5% increase in the tensile strength.