Prediction of equilibrium spacing between charged polymer particles in contact with a carbon fiber

Feasibility of Kelvin probe force microscopy to measure the surface potential decay of polystyrene film due to relative humidity

“…It is common for such coating processes to be conducted in manufacturing environments at ambient temperatures exposed to a wide range of RH. Based on our earlier parametric study performed on a 3 μm polystyrene (PS) particle size, and a 7 μm carbon fiber (CF) diameter, 10–12 the required particle‐to‐particle spacing (surface‐to‐surface) in a hexagonal packing to produce a 60% fiber volume fraction composite was found to be approximately 1.1 μm, as shown in Figure 1. Hence, it is essential to study, quantify, and understand the effect of RH on the charge decay and stability of PS particles and films for the success of this process, as this will dictate the final particle arrangement and the particle‐to‐particle equilibrium spacing during the fiber impregnation process 10–12 .…”

“…Based on our earlier parametric study performed on a 3 μm polystyrene (PS) particle size, and a 7 μm carbon fiber (CF) diameter, 10–12 the required particle‐to‐particle spacing (surface‐to‐surface) in a hexagonal packing to produce a 60% fiber volume fraction composite was found to be approximately 1.1 μm, as shown in Figure 1. Hence, it is essential to study, quantify, and understand the effect of RH on the charge decay and stability of PS particles and films for the success of this process, as this will dictate the final particle arrangement and the particle‐to‐particle equilibrium spacing during the fiber impregnation process 10–12 . For example, the effect of RH on the electrostatic attraction force to the surface of the CF as a function of the particle charge is highlighted in Figure 2.…”

“…Hence, it is essential to study, quantify, and understand the effect of RH on the charge decay and stability of PS particles and films for the success of this process, as this will dictate the final particle arrangement and the particleto-particle equilibrium spacing during the fiber impregnation process. [10][11][12] For example, the effect of RH on the electrostatic attraction force to the surface of the CF as a function of the particle charge is highlighted in Figure 2. As the charge on the surface of the particles drops by 95% (i.e., 5% Q sat ), the magnitude of the electrostatic attraction force drops by 100-folds when compared to the forces at saturation level (i.e., 100% Q sat ).…”

“…As the charge on the surface of the particles drops by 95% (i.e., 5% Q sat ), the magnitude of the electrostatic attraction force drops by 100-folds when compared to the forces at saturation level (i.e., 100% Q sat ). Consequently, a huge reduction in the particle attraction force to the CF would increase the chance of particles falling off the fiber due to the force of the gravity, 10,11 and particles can fall off the fiber due to material handling during the process.…”

Effect of Fiber Sizing Levels on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Composites

“…In the last few decades, the research and manufacturing of manmade fibers such as carbon, glass, and aramid fibers have gained much interest for their versatility [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Notably, carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) represent the highest-performance polymer-matrix composites in aircraft components, fuel-efficient automobiles, high-performing machinery, improved construction materials, sustainable sources of energy components, and new materials for smart infrastructure [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”