Modifying the carbon fiber–epoxy matrix interphase with graphite nanoplatelets

Abstract

In this study, a novel method consisting of coating carbon fibers (CF) with graphite nanoplatelets (GnP) is investigated for its ability to modify the mechanical properties in the interphase region. Coating the CF was achieved by immersing CF in a solution of GnP dispersed in an epoxy‐based solution for a few seconds. The influence of the processing conditions on the properties of the coating (thickness, homogeneity, quality of the GnP dispersion) is reported. Interfacial adhesion and the associated failure modes were evaluated by the single fiber fragmentation test. The maximum value of interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was achieved when a relative GnP concentration of 7.9 wt% on CFs, which led to 45 and 34% improvements in IFSS in comparison with the non‐coated CF and epoxy coated CF, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1549–1556, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Synergistic Effects of Graphene/Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid Coating on the Interfacial and Mechanical Properties of Fiber Composites

“…Further, simulation studies have found that the CF composites with nanoparticles can reduce stress concentrations the interface sand improve their mechanical properties [19,20]. It has been reported that the incorporation of graphene nanoplates [21] and carbon nanotubes [22] in the sizing could enhance the interface and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforcement epoxy composites (CFRP) composites.…”

“…The graphene oxide sheet can block the initial cracks and reduce the stress intensity factors at the crack tips [30]. Recently our group has [21,31] used GnPs/epoxy sizing as a function coating to modify the surface of CF. The interfacial adhesion, mechanical properties and electrical properties of GnPs modified CF/epoxy composites were improved.…”

Simultaneous reinforcement of matrix and fibers for enhancement of mechanical properties of graphene‐modified laminated composites

“…There is a need for developing new manufacturing methods to fabricate polymer resins enhanced with carbon nanomaterials for applications where weight, stiffness and strength are critical, and to assess the nanoparticle reinforcement achieved compared with conventional laminates such as glass fiber and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Multiscale nanocomposites are a novel class of multifunctional composite materials that have received special attention because of their improved properties at very low loading levels compared with conventional filler composites [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Although conventional polymer composite materials reinforced by continuous fibers are strong in in-plane direction, they are usually weak against matrixdominated failures.…”

Incorporation of silicon dioxide nanoparticles at the carbon fiber‐epoxy matrix interphase and its effect on composite mechanical properties

“…Recently, the incorporation of nanoparticles at the surface of the fibers or into the sizing such as carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets has been investigated . Adding nanoparticles in the sizing shows advantages in comparison to mixing of the particles directly in the matrix, because those particles can lead to a very sharp increase of the viscosity, generating difficulties for composite processing.…”