Characterization of functionally gradient epoxy/carbon fibre composite prepared under centrifugal force

Centrifugal force was employed in order to induce a spatial gradient of fibre distribution in the epoxy/carbon fibre system. The gradient structure of the epoxy/carbon fibre composite can be controlled by varying the rotation time and the material parameters, such as fibre length, fibre content and matrix viscosity. The spatial gradient distribution of carbon fibres in an epoxy matrix was achieved by the combined mechanism of packing and settling. The mechanical properties of the functionally gradient epoxy/carbon fibre composite were also investigated. At the same content of carbon fibre, the flexural strength of the functionally gradient composite was higher than that of conventional isotropic composite. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.