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.     

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。     

苎麻短纤维层间增韧碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料

采用热压机层压成型工艺制备了苎麻短纤维(SRF)层间增韧碳纤维/环氧树脂(CF/EP)复合材料层压板,研究了SRF的长度、面密度及其表面偶联处理对CF/EP复合材料层间断裂韧性的影响,并进一步研究了SRF的铺入对复合材料弯曲、拉伸性能的影响。研究结果表明,层间SRF的铺入明显改善了CF/EP复合材料的I型和II型层间断裂韧性(G_(IC)和G_(IIC)),当表面偶联处理的纤维长度为6mm、面密度为12g·m~(-2)时,增韧效果最佳,GIC由497.48J·m~(-2)增加到667.54J·m~(-2),提高了34.24%;GIIC由508.52J·m~(-2)增加到862.11J·m~(-2),提高了69.54%。此外,铺入SRF对复合材料的弯曲、拉伸性能也有一定程度的提高。通过SEM观察发现,SRF的增韧机制与其层间桥联以及裂纹扩展过程中从基体中拔出与劈裂等现象有关。     

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.     

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 %.     

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.     

Dielectric properties of epoxy/short carbon fiber composites

The dielectric properties of epoxy/short carbon fiber composites at different concentrations 0, 5, 10 and 15% by weight, different thicknesses 2 and 4 mm, and frequency in the range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz were characterized. Scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were utilized. The alternating current (ac) electrical properties (complex impedance, dielectric constant, dielectric loss, real part of electric modulus, imaginary part of electric modulus, electrical conductivity, and relaxation time) were determined. It was found that the applied frequency, filler concentrations, and composite thickness affected the ac electrical properties of the epoxy/carbon fiber composites. The dielectric behaviors of the interfacial polarization between epoxy matrix and carbon fibers could be described by the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars relaxation. The analysis of the complex electric modulus in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz revealed that the interfacial relaxation followed the Cole–Davidson distribution of relaxation times. The universal power-law of ac conductivity was observed in the epoxy/carbon fiber composites. The calculated power exponent (near unity) is physically acceptable within this applied model.     

Mechanical properties of carbon fiber/fullerene-dispersed epoxy composites

This study examined the effect of fullerene dispersion on the mechanical properties of carbon-fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites (CFRPs). Mechanical properties such as tension, compression, open-hole compression, comparession after impact (CAI), binding, short beam shear, and interlaminar fracture toughness were evaluated for [0]₈, [90]₁₆, [45/0/?45/90]_2S laminates. Tension and compression strengths increased 2–12% by dispersing 0.5% of fullerene into the matrix resin. Furthermore, interlaminar fracture toughness of the composite was improved by about 60%. It was revealed that a small amount of fullerene (0.1–1 wt.%) increased the failure strain of epoxy resin itself, thereby improving the CFRP strength.     

碳纤维毡/环氧树脂复合材料的力阻效应

以短切碳纤维毡和环氧树脂为原材料制成复合材料,考察了该材料在单向拉伸载荷下的力阻响应。实验结果表明,该材料具有正力阻效应(拉应变引起材料的电阻增大)。其中,单层碳纤维毡/环氧树脂复合材料的力阻灵敏度可达13.9,但在加载过程中其电阻表现出逐渐衰减趋势;多层碳纤维毡/环氧树脂复合材料的力阻性能更为稳定,但随着层数的增加灵敏度逐渐降低,5层复合材料的力阻灵敏度下降到5.7。多层复合材料的立体导电网络是其稳定性提升和灵敏度下降的主要原因。将碳纤维毡/环氧树脂多层复合材料敷设在梁结构表面形成智能表层,利用其力阻性能实现了梁结构在循环载荷下的变形监测以及在单调载荷作用下损伤监测。     

预浸料的超薄化对碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料拉伸破坏行为的影响

采用自主研发的碳纤维（CF）宽展设备,将12K CF宽展预浸制备成0.02 mm和0.10 mm厚的CF/环氧树脂（EP）预浸料,利用模压工艺制成1 mm厚的单向层合板。利用万能试验机、声发射装置和高速照相机组成的集成系统测试其抗拉强度、加载过程中试样内部的损伤情况及断裂破坏时样品宏观形貌的变化。用SEM观测其拉伸断口形貌。分别用超景深显微镜、金相显微镜观测记录CF/EP复合材料预浸料和单向层合板中CF的排布状态以表征薄层化过程中CF和EP的分布状态对CF/EP复合材料拉伸性能的影响。结果表明:薄CF/EP复合材料预浸料中CF的排布更加均匀,制成的CF/EP复合材料单向层合板试样中层间树脂富集区的尺度明显小于厚CF/EP复合材料预浸料制成的试样,试样的抗拉强度提高了15%;薄CF/EP复合材料预浸料制成层合板试样的拉伸宏观断口形貌中分层劈裂现象减少,集束性增强,微观断口形貌中未发现横贯横截面的穿透裂纹。      

超临界流体对碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料的降解作用

为对比分析不同超临界流体对碳纤维/环氧树脂（CF/EP）复合材料的降解效果,首先,在间歇反应釜中通过超临界流体降解CF/EP复合材料,分析了不同反应温度下超临界CO₂和超临界醇对CF/EP复合材料的降解能力,并提出了降解CF/EP复合材料的超临界流体选择方法;然后,采用单丝拉伸测试、SEM以及原子力显微镜等测试手段分析了超临界正丙醇和超临界正丁醇回收碳纤维的力学性能和微观形貌。结果表明:超临界CO₂对CF/EP复合材料的降解能力较弱,正丙醇作为夹带剂时,降解效果有显著提高;超临界正丁醇对CF/EP复合材料的降解能力最强,其次为超临界正丙醇,超临界甲醇的降解能力最弱;选用的反应介质介电常数越小、偶极矩越大、溶解度参数与树脂基体越为接近,在超临界状态下CF/EP复合材料越容易降解。使用超临界流体降解CF/EP复合材料可以得到性能优异的碳纤维,与原始碳纤维相比,通过超临界正丙醇和超临界正丁醇回收的碳纤维单丝拉伸强度保持率在98%以上,且韦氏模数相近。      

碳纤维增强环氧树脂复合材料修复N80Q钢管的力学性能

为考察碳纤维增强环氧树脂复合材料对环状腐蚀的N80Q钢管的修复效果,采用数值分析和全尺寸爆破试验对修复后的力学性能进行了研究,分析了缺陷轴向长度、缺陷深度和修复层厚度对修复效果的影响。结果表明:碳纤维增强环氧树脂复合材料对N80Q钢管的修复效果显著,经试验测试, 6 mm深缺陷的N80Q管道由碳纤维增强环氧树脂复合材料修复后爆破压力值提高了0.985倍;缺陷轴向长度对N80Q管道修复后的强度影响较小,随着缺陷轴向长度的增加,管道爆破压力值仅下降了3.5%;而缺陷深度对N80Q管道修复后的强度影响较明显,与无缺陷管道相比, 6 mm深缺陷管道修复后爆破压力值下降了9.9%, 7 mm深缺陷管道修复后爆破压力值下降了20.6%。     

CF/Epoxy复合材料的界面自组装

提出了一种新的炭纤维表面改性方法——分子自组装, 即在表面金属化的炭纤维上进行有机分子的自组装。表面增强拉曼散射光谱 (SERS)分析证实了含氮或含硫的芳杂环化合物化学吸附在银的表面, 并形成了平躺取向的自组装膜结构。X射线光电子能谱 (XPS)测试进一步证实了自组装膜通过S或N原子和Ag形成配位共价键吸附在炭纤维表面。表面经组装改性后的炭纤维和环氧复合后界面粘结强度得到了不同程度的提高, 揭示了界面区域微观结构与性能的关系。      

Matrix and fiber influences on the cryogenic microcracking of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Cryogenic cycling effects on symmetric carbon fiber/epoxy laminates were examined using model prepreg systems. The properties of the composite materials studied were altered through the introduction of variations in their structure and composition. The curing agent used, matrix backbone flexibility, toughening agents, and longitudinal coefficient of thermal expansion of the reinforcing fibers were changed to investigate their role in cryogenic microcracking. Examination of the laminates after cycling provided insight into the mechanism and origins of thermal stress-induced microcracking. Matrix properties and fiber tensile modulus were shown to have a significant impact on the response of the composite materials to cryogenic cycling. It was found in this study that higher glass transition temperatures of the laminates and the presence of toughening agents in the matrix decreased the microcracking propensity of these laminates. Higher tensile moduli and linear coefficients of thermal expansion of the fibers were found to increase the microcrack density in the laminates studied.     

Hygrothermal effects on the shear properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

The environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, can limit the applications of composites by deteriorating the mechanical properties over a period of time. Environmental factors play an important role during the manufacture step and during composite’s life cycle. The degradation of composites due to environmental effects is mainly caused by chemical and/or physical damages in the polymer matrix, loss of adhesion at the fiber/matrix interface, and/or reduction of fiber strength and stiffness. Composite’s degradation can be measure by shear tests because shear failure is a matrix dominated property. In this work, the influence of moisture in shear properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites (laminates [0/0]_s and [0/90]_s) have been investigated. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) was measured by using the short beam shear test, and Iosipescu shear strength and modulus (G ₁₂) have been determinated by using the Iosipescu test. Results for laminates [0/0]_s and [0/90]_s, after hygrothermal conditioning, exhibited a reduction of 21% and 18% on the interlaminar shear strenght, respectively, when compared to the unconditioned samples. Shear modulus follows the same trend. A reduction of 14.1 and 17.6% was found for [0/0]_s and [0/90]_s, respectively, when compared to the unconditioned samples. Microstructural observations of the fracture surfaces by optical and scanning electron microscopies showed typical damage mechanisms for laminates [0/0]_s and [0/90]_s.     

Friction and wear behavior of three-dimensional braided carbon fiber/epoxy composites under lubricated sliding conditions

The friction and wear characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) braided carbon fiber-epoxy (C_3D/EP) composites under lubricated sliding conditions against a quenched medium-carbon steel counterface were studied. Wear tests were performed under different loads at two velocities. Comparative wear tests under dry conditions were carried out to investigate the influence of lubrication. Tribological properties of the C_3D/EP composites with various fiber loadings and two different fiber-matrix adhesion strengths were assessed. It was found that the lubricated contact promoted lower wear rates and friction coefficients. Compared to dry sliding, the tribological performance of the C_3D/EP composites under lubrication was less dependent on fiber content, fiber-matrix bonding, load, and velocity than dry sliding. The worn surfaces of the C_3D/EP composites were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the relevant mechanisms.     

Stress concentration effect on the fatigue properties of carbon nanotube/epoxy composites

This study experimentally investigates the stress concentration effect on the fatigue properties of multi-walled nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy nanocomposites by employing the dumbbell type specimens with central through-hole notches. Both the hole sizes and the CNT contents are considered as the experimental variables. The experimental results show that the fatigue strengths of the notched nanocomposites decrease with an increase in hole sizes. The notch sensitivity factors increase with the notch root radii and the ultimate strengths of the nanocomposite specimens. This study employed a mathematical model to relate the notch sensitivity with the hole size and a material constant, and this employed material constant was found to depend on the ultimate strength rather than the CNT contents of the nanocomposites.     

Micro-crack behavior of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic modified epoxy composites for cryogenic applications

Three different types of thermoplastics, poly(ether imide) (PEI), polycarbonate (PC), and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) were used to modify epoxy for cryogenic applications. Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic modified epoxy composites were also prepared through vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (RTM). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) shows that the storage moduli of PEI, PC, and PBT modified epoxies are 30%, 21%, and 17% higher than that of the neat epoxy respectively. The impact strength of the modified epoxies at cryogenic temperature increases with increasing thermoplastic content up to 1.5 wt.% and then decreases for further loading (2.0 wt.%). The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values of the PBT, PEI, and PC modified epoxies also decreased by 17.76%, 25.42%, and 30.15%, respectively, as compared with that of the neat epoxy. Optical microscopy image analysis suggests that the presence of PEI and PC in the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites can prevent the formation of micro-cracks. Therefore, both the PEI and PC were very effective in preventing micro-crack formation in the composites during thermal cycles at cryogenic condition due to their low CTE values and high impact strength.     

PEK-C膜层间增韧碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料的力学性能

为探究热塑性酚酞基聚醚酮（Polyaryletherketone with Cardo,PEK-C）树脂薄膜及膜厚对层间增韧碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料力学性能的影响,利用浸渍提拉法制备了三种不同厚度（分别约为1 μm、10 μm、30 μm）的PEK-C膜,通过热压成型制备了层间增韧碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料层合板,对其进行了Ⅰ型层间断裂韧性、冲击后压缩强度、层间剪切及弯曲性能测试,并利用SEM观察微观形貌及AFM扫描微观相图。结果表明:不同PEK-C膜厚增韧碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料的Ⅰ型层间断裂韧性、冲击后压缩强度及层间剪切强度有不同程度提高,Ⅰ型层间断裂韧性及层间剪切强度以膜厚为10 μm最佳,分别增大了157.17%和17.57%,冲击后压缩强度以膜厚为30 μm最佳,达到了186.67 MPa,这是由于PEK-C与环氧树脂在热压固化过程中形成了双相结构,改善了材料韧性;但弯曲性能持续下降,强度及模量由未增韧的1 551 MPa、106 GPa分别降至30 μm时的965 MPa、79 GPa,这是由于PEK-C树脂扩散进入环氧树脂中,降低了纤维体积分数及材料刚度。      

基于纳米压痕技术的碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料各组分原位力学性能测试

基于纳米压痕技术对碳纤维/环氧树脂复合材料各组分的原位硬度、 弹性模量和蠕变性能进行了测试, 实验得到了基体、 纤维和微小厚度界面层的力学性能。结果表明, 从环氧树脂基体到碳纤维过渡过程中, 硬度和弹性模量有明显的梯度变化, 并且纤维和树脂基体的原位弹性模量平均值与其非原位性能有一定的变化, 实验得到纤维的原位弹性模量有所下降, 环氧树脂的弹性模量有所增加。试件制备过程中的机械研磨对其表面产生的残余应力和复合后两种材料的相互影响是组分材料原位性能变化的主要原因。各组分的蠕变性能呈现出明显的差异。