Influence of the nature and the content of carbon fiber on properties of thermoplastic polyurethane‐carbon fiber composites

Abstract

Three carbon fibers (CF) of different characteristics and properties were used to determine the most suitable characteristics for a carbon fiber to reinforce a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) matrix. The TPU was synthesized with a moderate amount of hard segments to bring polarity to the matrix without losing flexibility. On the other hand, the CF were chosen with respect to their different mechanical properties, diameter, and length to study the influence of those parameters on the TPU matrix. Additionally, the fibers were used in different amounts as well as after different oxidation treatments (i.e., different polarity). The mechanical properties and surface characteristics of the composites were analyzed using several experimental techniques (SEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and tensile tests). The results obtained showed that the surface polarity, diameter, and length of the CFs are related to the reinforcement of a medial polar TPU matrix, whereas the mechanical properties of the CF do not influence those of the composite.

Novel polyurethane elastomer continuous carbon fiber composites: Preparation and characterization

“…On the other hand, the adhesion of CFs to the matrix plays a crucial role in determining the extent of reinforcement. 12 For example, it has been pointed out for the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-short CF composites 12 that the extent of reinforcement is determined by the surface polarity of the CF, i.e., by the strength of the matrix-CF bond and the diameter and the length of CF have also been shown to affect the mechanical properties of the resulting TPU-CF composites.…”

Effect of surface silanization of carbon fiber on mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polyurethane composites

“…The study of polyurethane (PU) is one of the most rapidly developing branches in the field of polymer technology due to its significant industrial importance and wide range of applications, such as adhesives, coatings, foams, resins, and elastomers [1,2].…”

Synthesis and characterization of novel epoxy‐modified waterborne polyurethanes and their use in carbon fiber sizing

“…However, composite materials also have certain drawbacks, such as poor interfacial adhesion between the reinforcement and the matrix resin, which is a critical factor in the properties of composite materials 5–7. To improve the wettability and adhesion of the carbon fibers to the matrices, much work has been done on the modification of the surface structure of the fiber to improve the interfacial bonding between the fiber and matrix;6, 8 this has included surface treatment of the carbon fiber via various dry and wet oxidation methods,9–11 plasma treatment,5 electrochemical oxidation,12 fiber sizing, and coating 13–15. Among these methods, fiber sizing is effective in improving the shear properties of carbon fiber/resin composites and is preferred because it allows the continuous processing of the carbon fibers.…”