The interlaminar toughness of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic composites using ‘hybrid-toughened’ matrices

“…More recently there has emerged a new technology which holds great promise for increasing further the mechanical performance of such multiphase thermosetting polymers. Namely, via the additional formation of a nano-phase structure in the polymer, where the nano-phase consists of small rigid particles of silica [4][5][6][7][8][9], as shown in Figure 1. Now, the maximum toughness of the nano-silica modified epoxy polymers is not usually as great as that achieved using a rubbery second-phase.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Now, the maximum toughness of the nano-silica modified epoxy polymers is not usually as great as that achieved using a rubbery second-phase. However, it has been found that the combination of both rubber particles and silica nano-particles, to give a 'hybrid' modified epoxy, can give a synergistic toughening effect [5][6][7], where the measured toughness is greater than would be predicted by simple addition of the individual toughening increments due to the presence of the particles.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The fracture and fatigue behaviour of nano-modified epoxy polymers

et al. 2007

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…Hence, such matrices may be used to produce PMC components via a RTM manufacturing route. It has been found [15,[19][20][21] that to obtain an optimum toughness, whilst maintaining other important properties, a 'hybrid' epoxy matrix polymer containing second phases of both such silica nanoparticles and rubber microparticles is frequently particularly effective. Considering the choice of the fibre reinforcement, there are clearly a very wide range of fibres that may be used in PMCs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

From matrix nano- and micro-phase tougheners to composite macro-properties

Kinloch

Taylor

Techapaitoon

et al. 2016

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Media SummaryThe properties of natural-fibre reinforced-plastic (NFRP) composites based upon epoxy polymer matrices containing silica nanoparticles and rubber microparticles have been studied using (a) unidirectional flax-fibres or (b) regeneratedcellulose fibres in the architecture of a plain-woven fabric. They were manufactured using a low-cost resin-infusion method. The values of toughness of the NFRP composites were remarkably high, being typically about 75% higher than for the corresponding, traditional, glass-fibre composites. The reasons for the very good performance of the NFRPs were identified and a quantitative model developed. AbstractIn the present paper the morphology and toughness of a range of bulk epoxy polymers, which incorporate a second-phase of well dispersed silica nanoparticles and/or rubber microparticles, have been determined. Secondly, the macro-properties of natural-fibre reinforced-plastic (NFRP) composites based upon these epoxy polymers have been ascertained, using (a) unidirectional flax-fibres or (b) regenerated-cellulose fibres in the architecture of a plain-woven fabric. Thirdly, the toughening mechanisms which are induced in these materials by the presence of the silica nanoparticles, the rubber microparticles and the natural fibres have been identified. Finally, the values of the toughness of the bulk epoxy polymers and corresponding NFRPs have been quantitatively modelled. The increased toughness recorded for the bulk epoxy polymer due to the presence of the silica nanoparticles and/or rubber microparticles was indeed typically transferred to the NFRP composites when using such epoxies as the matrices for the fibres. Thus, the important role that may be played by modifications to the epoxy matrices in order to increase the toughness of the composites was very clearly demonstrated by these results. However, notwithstanding, the toughening mechanisms induced by the fibres were essentially responsible for the very high toughnesses of the NFRP composites, compared with the bulk epoxy polymers. The modelling studies successfully predicted the values of toughness of the bulk epoxy polymers and of the NFRP composites. These studies also quantified the extent to which each toughening mechanism, induced by the second-phase nano-and micro-particles and the natural fibres, contributed to the overall values of toughness of the materials. Keywords:Fracture; Modelling; Nanocomposites; Natural-fibre Composites IntroductionHigh-performance polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) typically employ epoxy resins as the matrix for continuous fibres. When cured, epoxy resins are highly-crosslinked thermosetting polymers which exhibit good elevated temperature resistance and low creep. However, their high crosslink density causes them to have a poor resistance to the initiation and growth of cracks. The addition of a second-phase, which is well dispersed, can significantly increase the toughness of thermoset polymers [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Thus, to achieve a relatively tough epoxy-polymer matrix, an ...

show abstract

The interlaminar toughness of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic composites using ‘hybrid-toughened’ matrices

Cited by 88 publications

References 9 publications

The fracture of glass-fibre-reinforced epoxy composites using nanoparticle-modified matrices

The fracture of glass-fibre-reinforced epoxy composites using nanoparticle-modified matrices

The fracture and fatigue behaviour of nano-modified epoxy polymers

From matrix nano- and micro-phase tougheners to composite macro-properties

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About